Defying Gravity: Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Honors George Elmore in an Inspiring Evening of Legacy, Leadership, and Artistic Excellence
The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation hosted its “Defying Gravity” celebration on March 30 at the Kravis Center, bringing together supporters, alumni, and community leaders for an inspiring evening honoring longtime board member and dedicated advocate George Elmore. His decades of leadership, generosity, and belief in arts education have been instrumental in shaping Dreyfoos into the nationally recognized institution it is today, creating lasting opportunities for generations of students. The evening also marked a significant milestone for the Foundation with the appointment of Andrew Vahab, a 2001 Communications alumnus, as the first alumni Board Chair. His leadership reflects the enduring impact of the school’s mission and the legacy established by Elmore and other early champions. A highlight of the celebration was a special performance by Broadway star and Dreyfoos alumna Talia Suskauer, whose return served as a powerful full-circle moment. Her performance, along with a meaningful duet with a current student and a masterclass for Theatre majors, beautifully captured the connection between past and present generations of Dreyfoos artists. Overall, “Defying Gravity” was both a tribute to visionary leadership and a celebration of community, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to investing in the next generation of artists and supporting programs that continue to inspire and uplift Dreyfoos students.
Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Appoints Communications Alumnus Andrew Vahab (Class of 2001) as Chairperson of the Executive Board
Welcome Our New Board Chair: Andrew Vahab! We’re proud to announce that Andrew Vahab (Class of 2001, Communications) has been named Chairperson of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Executive Board! Recognized as one of Forbes’ Top Wealth Advisors 2025, Andrew brings both professional excellence and a deep love for Dreyfoos. 💬 “Being part of Dreyfoos and helping the kids, after once being a student myself, feels full circle,” he shared. From speech & debate under Ms. Anyzeski to leading with heart and vision, Andrew is ready to elevate the Foundation’s impact across Palm Beach County.
U.S. Polo Assn. Awarded $10,000 in College Scholarships to Graduating Seniors at Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), managed by West Palm Beach- based USPA Global, has established two $5,000 college scholarships to benefit graduating seniors at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The school is a renowned public arts magnet high school dedicated to providing academic excellence in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Man of Many Achievements:
Alexander W. Dreyfoos’ Memorial
Students participated in an event honoring the life of the philanthropist.
Video Marquee Dedication
Thanks to a generous gift from Dorothy Lappin, and in celebration of the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation purchased and installed a new video marquee on the back side of Building Seven facing South toward the Kravis Center and Tamarind Avenue. The new marquee will showcase daily Dreyfoos news and is sure to catch the attention of the many travelers of Downtown West Palm Beach.
New Chromebooks for Science & Math Department students.
The RJ Foundation via Joe & Rita Scheller generously donated $100,000 to supply 266 new chromebooks for the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Science and Math Department students.
Les Paul Foundation
Happy Birthday to the late Les Paul! His inspiration to the world of music is everlasting and we can’t thank the Les Paul Foundation enough for their support in sharing his legacy with the world and the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Studies Department!
