As public schools continually face budget cuts, arts programs are often the first to go. But for P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, Chris Morris is working to make sure that isn't the case.
As the school's former principal, Morris spent 22 years at P.K. Yonge supporting fine arts and performing arts programs through innovation and education. Still, though, her involvement didn't stop there.
In 2005, an endowment fund was established in her name, and on Thursday, a special benefit fundraiser will be held to support the fund and creative arts at the school.
The event will run from 5 p.m. to about 10 p.m. and will include visual art displays, student musical performances and refreshments.
According to Morris, attendance and donations at the event will help provide resources and school funds for K-12 art programs.
The event coincides with a 7 p.m. showing of P.K. Yonge's production of "In The Heights," a Tony-award winning play about New York's vibrant Washington Heights community.
P.K. Yonge is one of the first high schools in the nation to produce the show, which tells a "universal story" about the community's hopes, dreams, pressures and challenges.
The production runs through March 3. Remaining showtimes include Thursday's performance and ones on March 1 at 7 p.m., March 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 3 at 2 p.m.
Rachel Crosby wrote this story online.