SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Gala raises over $250,000 to support Thrive25 Initiative

The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities celebrated 25 years of transformative arts education at its milestone 25th Anniversary Gala, held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the historic Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville. The event raised over $250,000 to support Thrive25, the Governor’s School Foundation’s bold initiative to expand access and eliminate financial barriers for students pursuing pre-professional arts training.

The evening, co-chaired by former Foundation Board Chair Terry Grayson-Caprio and Governor’s School Board Member Irv Welling, included the presentation of the President’s Alumni Awards and the Fred Collins Luminary Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who have made a profound impact on the arts and the school community.

2025 Honorees:

• Carolyn Bolton (Class of 2005, Dance), Creative Director of English National Ballet’s Youth Company, received the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
• Joshua Dantzler (Class of 2017, Drama), Senior Specialist in Employee Experience & Culture at Amtrak and founder of DICE Consulting, received the President’s Young Alumni Award.
• The Daniel-Mickel Foundation received the Fred Collins Luminary Award for Foundation Leadership for more than $800,000 in philanthropic support since 1995.
• Sue Emanuelson and Liz MacLeod received the Fred Collins Luminary Award for Individual Philanthropy for their volunteer leadership and role in raising over $1.2 million through the annual Songwriters in the Round event in Hilton Head Island.
• Jimmy Gulledge of First Citizens Bank and Felicia Collins Robbins of the Fred Collins Foundation presented the awards. Both are proud Legacy Awards Partners and long-time champions of the Governor’s School and arts education in South Carolina.

The Gala also featured a curated gallery showcasing student work from all six art areas—Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Film, Music, and Visual Arts—alongside Academics and Outreach.

“This evening was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in young artists,” said Amanda Herlihy, executive director of the Governor’s School Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Thrive25 will help remove financial barriers and ensure that South Carolina’s most talented students have the opportunity to grow, learn, and lead in the arts.”

All proceeds from the Gala support Thrive25, a strategic initiative aimed at increasing equity and excellence in arts education across South Carolina.

To learn more or contribute to Thrive25, visit www.scgsah.org/thrive25.