Even with the difficult economy, it’s important that we don’t forget to support our community arts and culture, especially when we have so many vibrant and diverse options in Plano and surrounding cities.

Last week, I somehow ended up going to three different events at the Charles W. Eisemann Center, which is only a couple miles from the Plano border in Richardson.

The first performance I attended was Prestonwood Christian Academy’s opening night of the musical 42nd Street on April 21. I received a kind welcome from Susan Thomas, president of the Fine Arts Council, and Joel Rutherford, PCA’s director of fine arts.

The Prestonwood students absolutely dazzled me with their mature dancing and singing skills. I can honestly say that I’ve never been to a better high school musical production.

You’ve most likely seen our Page 2 mention and advertisements these past few weeks encouraging you to vote for your favorite Plano and Murphy businesses, services and events.

But if you haven’t already, you only have a little more than 24 hours to cast your vote at neighborsgo.com/vote.

For this year’s Neighbors Choice Awards, the stakes are higher because the community that has the most votes will receive special recognition in all 18 neighborsgo print editions published throughout the Dallas area. Do we really want Richardson, Frisco, Allen or other cities to fill up space in OUR section with this honor? I thought not.

Creativity and innovation in education have helped a couple from Plano receive numerous state and national awards.

Librarian Doug Valentine and his wife Karen Rose, a third-grade teacher, work together at McKillop Elementary in Melissa to provide students with fun and unique ways to learn. 

The most recent accolade was Rose’s selection as the Association of Texas Professional Educators Elementary Teacher of the Year on April 3 at the organization’s 29th annual convention in Austin.