Exciting Event in West Columbia: Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Set for September 19

Exciting Event in West Columbia: Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony!

West Columbia, SC – Get ready for a night of celebration as Lexington School District Two hosts its first-ever Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this September! Mark your calendars for 5 p.m. on September 19, and join us at the new Lexington Two Performing Arts Center to honor six remarkable individuals for their impressive contributions to the arts.

Celebrating Excellence in Arts Education

The Fine Arts Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have shown exceptional talent and dedication in the fields of art, music, theatre, dance, or creative writing. Who qualifies to be an inductee, you ask? Well, they could be talented graduates from either Airport High School or Brookland-Cayce High School, dedicated educators who have made a difference in arts education, or community members who have gone above and beyond to support fine arts initiatives in the district.

This year’s inaugural class was carefully selected by a committee of spirits from the Lexington Two community. Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This district and our board members have always believed in the importance of the arts in educating students and enriching our communities. Our new Fine Arts Hall of Fame gives us an opportunity to showcase the many people who have contributed to this district’s strong legacy as educators, students, and supporters.”

Meet the Inductees

Let’s take a closer look at the six remarkable individuals being inducted this month:

• William E. Ackerman: With over 30 years of teaching, William has served as a music teacher, band director, and coordinator for fine arts within the district.
• Dr. Deborah Smith Hoffman (Posthumous): A passionate advocate for the arts in education throughout her career, Dr. Hoffman worked tirelessly to promote the importance of the arts in Lexington Two and across South Carolina.
• Vicki Stilwell Horne: An acclaimed teacher at Airport High School, Vicki directed more than 45 theatre productions over her 28-year career, bridging the gap between literature and the performing arts.
• Larry Francis Lebby (Posthumous): Known for his impactful portraiture, Larry’s works adorn various public spaces, including the South Carolina State House.
• Eva Pilgrim: A proud product of Lexington Two schools, Eva later flourished in media as a co-anchor for a national program and worked as a correspondent for ABC News.
• Keith Williams: With 35 years of teaching experience, Keith dedicated 22 years to instructing band at Fulmer Middle School while also leading the band program throughout the district.

A Space to Celebrate

The induction ceremony will take place at the stunning new Lexington Two Performing Arts Center, located at 3205 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia. This beautiful new facility promises to provide a fitting venue for recognizing the rich contributions of the inductees and celebrating the legacy of the arts in the community.

Jim LeBlanc, the executive director of the arts center, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to be able to recognize these six inaugural members at our district’s newest facility. This district has a rich history in the arts, as evidenced by the nearly 30 nominations we received for Hall of Fame consideration in our first year alone.”

Join the Celebration!

If you’re a fan of the arts and want to show your support, come out to this exciting event. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of these talented individuals who have paved the way for future generations in the arts! We can’t wait to see everyone at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center on September 19!

For more information, feel free to reach out and join in the festivities. Let’s make this a memorable evening for all!