Sarasota, FL — Sarasota Rising and The Living Arts Festival are thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural Teacher Tribute Awards, a community-driven initiative honoring the exceptional educators who shape the minds and hearts of our region’s youth.

This award is in honor of David L & Opal P Hamblin, both lifelong educators who demonstrated the transformative power of teaching through the creative arts.  David, a member of the Marching Hundred at Indiana University, was a passionate athlete, coach, science teacher and later the superintendent of schools.  Opal was a farmer’s daughter who had a love for learning and music and art.  She started her career in a one room schoolhouse in north central Indiana teaching art and music.  Their legacy continues through this award generously sponsored by their son, Dr Jeffrey Hamblin in honor of their inspiring contributions to education.

The Teacher Tribute Awards invite parents, students and school administrators across Sarasota and Manatee counties to submit a 500 word essay nominating a teacher who has made a lasting impact through dedication, creativity, and compassion. Whether it’s a kindergarten teacher who sparked a lifelong love of learning or a high school mentor who guided students through personal challenges, this award celebrates the unsung heroes in our classrooms.

“Teachers are the soul of our community,” said Jeffery Kin, Executive Director of The Living Arts Festival. “This award is about giving families and students a voice to express gratitude and highlight the educators who go above and beyond every single day.”

The awards will recognize excellence in creative arts related fields. Including but not limited to: ballet, dance, martial arts, instrumental or vocal music, theatre arts, painting, design, etc.  The winning teacher, coach, tutor will personify ‘the artistry of instruction’ using the arts to inspire and motivate students to excel. 

Awards and recognition:

• Grand Prize Winner: $2500 cash prize
• Runner Up: $1500 cash prize

The winners will be selected by a panel of community leaders, educators, and cultural ambassadors. These awards will be presented during the Festivals Closing Performance on November 9^th at The Municipal Auditorium.  Ticketing information is below.

Key Dates:

• Essay submissions open: September 15, 2025
• Deadline: October 15, 2025
• Winners announced: November 9, 2025

Essays should be submitted via the official Teacher Tribute Awards portal here .

The Teacher Tribute Awards are made possible through generous support from Dr Jeffery Hamblin and Mark-Alan who believe in the power of learning through great arts centric teaching.

Let’s come together to honor the educators who inspire, uplift, and transform lives—one student at a time.  You Raise Me Up is the closing performance of Sarasota Rising’s Living Arts Festival.  This event shines a spotlight on our educators whose performing life has been minimized as they use their skills to instruct our youth.  At this event, the instructors are the stars.    

Event Tickets:

• Adults $20 
• Students $5

Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

You Raise Me Up, Sunday November 9^th at 2:00pm at The Municipal Auditorium 801 North Tamiami Trail. Sarasota, FL. 34236

For more information contact Teacher Awards at Info@SarasotaRising.org