Claremore Public Schools Foundation:
Established in
1988
District Serves
: 3,858 students
Executive Director:
Amy Evans
Great Idea to Share
: Claremore's Got Talent
The Claremore Public Schools Foundation’s (CPSF) newest fundraiser was designed to showcase amazing local talent, as well as the Foundation’s contributions to excellence in the classroom. Claremore’s Got Talent was held September 21, 2019, at the Robson Performing Arts Center. The event was open to both individuals and groups who had a connection to Claremore. Performers were either enrolled in the Claremore Public Schools, employed by Claremore Public Schools, a graduate of Claremore Public Schools, or residents of Claremore (within the Claremore zip codes) or employed in Claremore. Contestant applications were submitted in July, and formal auditions in front of three independent judges were held two weeks later. Acts were limited to no longer than three minutes. Twenty-two of the 35 auditioning acts were selected for a show run of two hours.
Event tickets were priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children. A full audience of over 450 made for an exciting evening. As patrons arrived, they were able to explore the lobby of the performing arts center, where teachers from various school sites showcased projects funded by CPSF grants. Patrons were given the hands-on opportunity to experience how the grants impacted their classroom or school site, from science equipment to musical instruments. As people entered the main theatre, a slideshow highlighted other grants funded by the foundation and foundation sponsored events.
Performances were separated into four groups, with outside groups including the high school jazz choir and jazz band providing continuity. Local celebrities and graduates of Claremore High School were emcees for the evening. Patrons could submit $1 votes for their fan favorite in the weeks prior to the event and continued on the night of the event. At the end of the evening, winners were determined by five experienced judges. Cash prizes were awarded to the fan favorite, second runner-up, first runner-up and the winner. The highest scoring junior or senior in high school was awarded a $1,000 tuition waiver to Rogers State University. The highest scoring vocalist sophomore or younger received a certificate for free performance lessons.
The mission of the Claremore Public Schools Foundation, “to enrich the quality of the Claremore Public Schools,” began over 30 years ago and continues today. CPSF has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to teachers and school sites for materials, equipment, field trips and a host of other innovative projects that enhance the learning environment for the children in Claremore schools. Claremore’s Got Talent connected the foundation to the community and beyond, and attendees were overwhelmed with the quality of the acts. Many patrons were friends and relatives of the contestants who do not live in the community and the event exposed them to the awesome opportunities made available to the children of Claremore Public Schools through grants from the Foundation.
