Tony winner Sara Ramirez donates to SCPA

The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is pleased to announce the magnanimous gift from Sara Ramirez, a SCPA 1993 graduate. Ms. Ramirez, the 2005 Tony Award-winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as The Lady of the Lake in Monty Python's SPAMALOT, attended the school from 4th – 12th grade.

She acknowledged that SCPA "played a HUGE role in where and who I am today so I would like to take this time to give a little something back." The "little something" is a most generous donation of $20,000, specifically earmarked for the drama, music and dance departments, and the piano fund. Sara Ramirez graduated from The Julliard School in New York City, where she refined her skills as actress. She can currently be seen on television in the hit show, GREY'S ANATOMY.

SCPA receives donations from individuals and corporations throughout the year. These can be in the form of equipment needs or money designated for a certain program. Those wishing to contribute can become a member of FRIENDS OF SCPA, with several different donation levels available. FRIENDS and more donation information can be viewed online at www.scpa@sandi.net, or call the school directly at 619/470-0555.

In The News: O'Connell Lunches at Mission Bay High

Journalists scrambled to get a shot of State Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell loading his tray full of cafeteria food at Mission Bay High School following a press conference he held on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

O’Connell appeared at the high school to discuss his plan to push for more money to meet the statewide 12 percent spike in demand for reduced-price or free school lunches in the ’07-’08 school year. Historically, demand for subsidized school lunches increases by 1 percent each year. Read more from the Peninsula Beacon.