- April 3, 2025
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The art winners displayed their pieces at the front of the room.
First President Wilma Davidson introduced the event.
Wilma Davidson presented Diana DeAvila with a certificate for membership.
Wilma Davidson introduced one of last year's winners, Jordyn Chiodo, who spoke to the 2021 winners.
Ann Verhagen accompanied composition winner Katherine Arico on her flute piece, "Solemn Hour."
Ann Verhagen, Katherine Arico and Halle Cooper perform "Solemn Hour."
Polly Curran snapped photos of the performances.
Colin Leonard performed his piece "Color of Twilight."
Katherine Arico accepted her award from Jan Schaberg.
Colin Leonard accepted his award from Jan Schaberg.
Francesca Simon introduced the letters winners.
Madelyn Halperin read her piece, "Pimento Cheese" during the luncheon.
Presidents Lady Lynn Wilson and Wilma Davidson presented awards together.
Penning a scholarship can change a student's life, and the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women wrote 14 scholarships for the Launching Leaders luncheon on May 19 at the Bird Key Yacht Club.
The Launching Leaders event has been going on for 30 years and was started by the late Betty Altman. Her family foundation now supports the art awards in perpetuity. This year, the letters awards and one art award were supported by the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, while the music awards were independently supported.
"We're just trying to keep the arts alive," Second President Lady Lynn Wilson said.
The event drew many members, as well as students' family. About 80 people flocked to the yacht club for the luncheon. Music composition winners performed their pieces during lunch, and the letters winners read their essays after lunch and accepting their scholarships.
