[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING SARA EGELSTON AKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2022

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Sara Egelston 
Akers for a lifetime of service dedicated to fostering a love for the 
performing arts among the youth in our community.
  In 1991, what began as a single production of ``The Wizard of Oz'' at 
a local church, would go on to become the profoundly impactful Plano 
Children's Theatre (PCT), one of the first youth theaters dedicated to 
providing children from all backgrounds the opportunity to be on stage. 
Due to Sara's efforts as the Theatre's Founder and Executive Director, 
in time multiple performance theatres and rehearsal studios would be 
established across North Texas.
  Among her most notable achievements during her tenue with PCT, Sara 
pioneered the use of drama as a means of therapy, paving the way for 
the widespread implementation of adaptive performing arts programs for 
students with disabilities.
  Over the past three decades, Sara has been a vital contributor to 
Plano's performing arts landscape. Following her executive role with 
PTC, Sarah went on to a serve as the Vice President of Community 
Outreach for North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA), where she oversaw 
fundraising, community outreach, and diversity efforts. Under her 
leadership, NTPA has become the largest youth theatre in the country 
impacting thousands of families.
  For her many contributions within our community, Sara was recognized 
by the Plano Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious Athena Award, and 
the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Art Centre of Plano. In honor, 
NTPA has likewise established a ``Sara Egelston Akers Legacy Fund'' 
which will provide support for the organization's scholarship 
initiatives.
  Following her retirement this May, Sara will continue to serve as a 
teacher and director maintaining an active role in the NTPA's Arts 
Advisory Council, Governing Board of Director's, and the Diversity, 
Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
  Ms. Sara Egelston Akers, a gifted educator, artist, and leader, has 
undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the North Texas community, and 
though she will be missed, her future is sure to be filled with many 
wonderful new opportunities.
  As she prepares to embark on this next chapter of her life, I ask my 
colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring 
Sara Egelston Akers for her successful career devoted to promoting 
accessibility among youth in the performing arts.

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