The 2016 Dinner Gala Honorees
Marian Sparago
Educator of the Arts Award
A daughter of St. John Villa, Marian Sparago ignited a passion for the arts at her alma mater. For over two decades, she served as director, musical director, and choir director at St. John Villa, while also teaching Music Appreciation and American Musical Theatre in the high school.
She mounted numerous and lavished Broadway musicals on the Villa stage, including CAROUSEL, THE BOYFRIEND, GOOD NEWS, BYE BYE BIRDIE, NO NO NANETTE, ON YOUR TOES and HELLO, DOLLY! which was the first show produced in the school’s then-new auditorium. In addition to musicals, she also produced annual Christmas shows, which featured secular holiday songs in act one, and a live Nativity with the reading of “One Solitary Life” in act two, a tradition the school continues to this day.
In a connection to the award’s namesake, Carl W. Lesch, the Founding Father of High School Theatre, Sparago was introduced to the organ through Lesch as an 8th grade student at the former St. Margaret Mary’s School. After Lesch’s sudden passing in 1983, Sparago was asked by Fr. Kelly to help with the musical theatre program at Moore Catholic High School, where she served as Producer of the school’s musical, while also directing the school’s choir.
“None of this could have been possible if it hadn’t been for my friends and colleagues who helped to create magic on stage,” said Sparago, referring to her choreographer Loretta O’Hara and accompanist Glenn Kaiser. “I sincerely hope that somehow I made a difference and enriched the quality of life with my former students and their families. I treasure the moments we shared and that special bond that only music can give.”
Loretta O'Hara
Educator of the Arts Award
Ms. O’Hara, an alumna of St. Joseph Hill Class of 1970, is celebrating her 45th year as choreographer for the St. Joseph Hill Drama Club. From her first show, Bells are Ringing, to her most recent, Hello, Dolly!, O’Hara has spent the better part of four decades teaching high school students all across the Island how to dance. She has been choreographer not only for St. Joseph Hill, but also for St. John Villa, St. Peter’s Boys, Moore Catholic and Msgr. Farrell High School. Among the shows she’s choreographed, 42nd Street at St. John Villa takes the cake as her favorite, with On Your Toes, Oklahoma!, and Carousel, which she has choreographed seven times, also personal favorites of hers.
“I always tell the boys everyone can dance, but not everyone is a dancer. My job is to get everyone on that stage and make them look good by showcasing their capabilities,” O’Hara said.
Kathy Brier
Distinguished Alumni Award
Receiving the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award will be Moore Catholic alumna, Kathy Brier. Ms. Brier has been a constant presence on the stage and screen for over a decade. In 2002, she created the role of Marcie Walsh on ABC’s One Life to Live and received an Emmy nomination in 2004. In 2007, she won Canada’s Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama.
In 2003, she also took on the role of Tracey Turnblad in the Broadway smash-hit Hairspray, leading the Daily News to dub her “the hardest working woman in show biz!” Most recently, she was seen as Sophie Tucker in HBO’s Prohibition Era drama Boardwalk Empire.
The Staten Island Advance
Community Enrichment Award
Lastly, receiving the Community Enrichment Award will be The Staten Island Advance. The Staten Island Advance has been informing Staten Islanders of the goings on of their borough since 1886. Throughout its history, The Advance has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fine journalism and showcasing the achievements of students and the arts.