Marcus Campbell, second place honoree in 2019 Artist of Promise poetry category. MESA, Arizona – April 23, 2019 -- The public is invited to attend Artists of Promise (AOP), a free annual gala and exhibition honoring the Chancellor Award Winners of Maricopa Community Colleges' student competitions in creative writing, dance/choreography, fashion design, film/media arts, music composition, music instrumental, music vocal, theater design, theater performance and visual arts.

The AOP takes place April 30 at The Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams, Phoenix. Seating is not assigned, guests are advised to arrive early for desired seating.

The art exhibition and reception is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by performances by first place winners beginning at 6:30 p.m. “Passages,” a publication comprised of submissions from award-winning creative writers, will be available during the event.

Mesa Community College honorees are:

Dance:
Choreographer
Second place: Joey Redondo for "Divine Intervention"

Performance
Second place: Emma Arnold, Karen Correa, Emily Jenkins, Maezell Najera, Joey Redondo, Destiny Rinker, Gina Smith and Tyler Wood, for "Shifting Sands"

Creative Writing:
Essay
First place: Val Neal
Second place: Kristie Braselton
Honorable Mention: Alexander Santos

Poetry:
First place: Alex Dodt
Second place: Marcus Campbell
Honorable Mentions: Holly Brestel, Nathan Buckingham, Kara Johnson, Erin Peters and Miranda Williams

Fiction:
Second place: Miranda Williams
Third place: Valerie Neal
Honorable Mentions: Alex Dodt and Holly Brestel

Nonfiction:
Frist place: Valerie Neal
Second place: Krisite Braselton
Honorable Mention: Alexander Santos

One-Act Play/Screenplay:
Frist place: Robert O’Brien

Music:
Classical - Female
Frist place: Xelha Castrejon
Second place: Carly Farabee

Classical - Male
Frist place: Sergio Santa Cruz

Musical Theatre - Female
Frist place: Xelha Castrejon
Second place: Maricarol Wood
Third place: Carly Farabee

Musical Theatre - Male
Frist place: Samuel Williams
Second place: Sergio Santa Cruz
Third place: Rio Chavez

Musical Instrumental Piano
Third place: Karyne Kurets

Musical Instrumental
Third place: Samuel Lupe

Theatre:
Female Actor
First place: Jacquie Leone ( scene partner Natalie Payan)
Honorable Mention: Natalie Payan

Male Actor
First place: Miguel Lopez (scene partner Omar Aguilar)
Third place: Ian Nussle (scene partner Becca Nation)

Theatre Design:
First place: Aaron Roberts
Second place: Isabel Grasser
Third place: Chloe Lewis
Honorable Mention: Omar Aguilar

Visual Art:
League Entrant Winners
First place: Jessica Swofford
AOP Honorable Mentions: Sadera Nye, Sukiye Ogras, Hillin Sommers and Andrew Witcher
AOP Show Entrants: Numerous MCC students

Fashion Design:
Fashion Design Original
First place: Hayriye Erzeybek
Second place: Helena Balerama

Costuming Design:
First place: Helena Balerama
Second place: Lucy Morge
Third place: Kacey Latchaw

Visit events.maricopa.edu/event/artists-promise-2019 for additional event information.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawnzimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the United States and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body, including more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries, who enrich campus learning experiences. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.