The Boston Arts Academy (BAA), the only public school for the visual and performing arts, and the Boston Arts Academy Foundation (BAA Foundation) will honor Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Brazilian Maristela Rapo, president and founder of the non-profit organization profitable Giving The Glam. They will receive the prestigious “Champion Award”.

Held annually, the award recognizes individuals who embody the school's commitment to the arts, scholarships and citizenship. According to the organizations, both Governor Baker and Maristela demonstrated a strong belief in the potential of students and in offering opportunities where there is talent. “Both exemplify the BAA Foundation's mission, values ​​and focus to create equitable access to opportunities for aspiring young artists,” said the foundation's president and CEO, Denella J. Clark. “They are truly champions for the 482 students that the BAA Foundation serves. I am proud to honor their dedication to the students in our community,” she continued.

The award ceremony will take place on February 4th at 5:30 pm at Roxbury Community College Commons (Building 3, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120). During the reception, BAA will premiere an exhibition of the students' pre-recorded performance, BAA Rocks/Bringing Back the Arts!, featuring new student work. “Boston Arts Academy does an incredible job educating the next generation of artists and academics in Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am honored by this recognition and remain grateful for the impact of the Boston Arts Academy team on our students and communities," he added.

In addition to honoring Governor Baker, BAA will recognize Maristela Rapo, President and Founder of Giving The Glam. The organization provides an amazing prom participation experience for underprivileged urban and suburban high school students. She covers the cost of all attire and accessories for students who are unable to attend her senior prom.

“I am very grateful that the Boston Arts Academy Foundation chose me and honored me with this award,” said the Brazilian. “Boston Arts Academy is a safe place full of opportunities for talented young people. Many of the students I work with talk about how BAA has been an important place and how it helps them grow as an artist-academic and find many opportunities. I am honored to be able to work with BAA and their incredibly talented students,” she continued.

Maristela was born in a deprived area of ​​Rio de Janeiro and at the age of 18 she left Brazil and moved to Europe, where she pursued her passion for fashion. Then she moved to the United States where she owned two sophisticated boutiques in Boston, Wolford and Giuseppe Zanotti.

After years in the fashion industry, she has come to use her experience to make a difference and give back to all communities. In 2014, she created and established Giving The Glam.

Past honorees who have received the same honor include former Massachusetts First Lady Diane Patrick, former Boston Mayor and current United States Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, Representative Ayanna Pressley and Attorney General General, Maura Healey.

Tickets for this year's event are on sale now. For information/tickets for the Champion Award Reception and BAA Rocks/Bringing Back the Arts! student performances, visit https://bit.ly/34kPeiy.

Source: Brazilian Times

Date:  January 31, 2022

Article/Video Link: https://www.braziliantimes.com/comunidade-brasileira/2022/01/30/governador-de-massachusetts-e-brasileira-recebe-premio-da-boston-arts-academy.html

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