Celebrating 40 Years of Creative Excellence: The Tri-District Arts Consortium Gala
The Tri-District Arts Consortium (Tri-DAC) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating its 40th Anniversary Gala at the South Carolina State Museum. The evening brought together a vibrant community of alumni, educators, and supporters to honor four decades of identifying and nurturing the Midlands’ most talented young artists.
A Legacy of Artistic Discovery
Since its founding in 1986, Tri-DAC has served as a beacon for arts education, growing from a small pilot program into a prestigious summer intensive for middle schoolers across Lexington School District One, Lexington-Richland School District Five, and Richland School District Two. The gala was a powerful reminder of the "inner flame" that has been sparked in thousands of students across creative writing, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
Evening Highlights
A Homecoming of Talent: The event served as a grand reunion for the former teachers, staff, and guest artists who have built Tri-DAC’s reputation for excellence over the last 40 years.
Honoring Our Partners: We extended our deepest gratitude to the three sponsoring school districts, whose unwavering belief that the arts are essential to a complete education has sustained this program since day one.
Investing in the Future: Proceeds from the celebration will go directly toward student scholarships, guest artist residencies, and future performance events.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our fifth decade, Tri-DAC remains committed to providing a "welcoming open door" for the next generation of creative leaders. We are incredibly proud of our history—including our recognition with the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award—and we look forward to many more years of artistic brilliance in the Midlands.
Awards and Special Guests
District Five's Superintendent, Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. receiving a 40th Tri-DAC Anniversary award in honor of his support of Tri-DAC.
Richland Two's Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Marshalynn Franklin receiving the Tri-DAC Award on behalf of Superintendent, Dr. Kim D. Moore, who was unable to attend.
Lexington One's Superintendent, Dr. Keith Price, receiving the 40th Tri-DAC Anniversary award in honor of his support of Tri-DAC.
Former Lexington-Richland District Five Tri-DAC Coordinator, Tami Richardson with Lexington One's former Tri-DAC Coordinator, Jeannine Purdy.
Former Tri-DAC Director, Craig Duensing with wife, Jane Duensing.
Former Lexington One Tri-DAC Coordinator, Erin FitzGerald and husband.
Speeches
Dr. Dee Gulledge presenting the Melanie Gulledge Award.
Gabrielle Peterson, a former Tri-DAC theatre student and instructor in the program.
Thank You to Our Musicians
The Dick Goodwin Ensemble: Lauren Mecca, Dick Goodwin, Jim Hall, Reggie Sullivan, and Steve Briody
Tri-DAC String Quartet: Alex Arrocha, Haley Calore, Collin Richardson, and Brent Wilson
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Excarta
Lourie Life & Health
Scott Hall Catering & Event Design
Twist Bartending
SC State Museum
Crafty Quilting Designs LLC
Dick Goodwin
Todd & Heather Weiss
Donna Wilson
Donate $40 for 40!
One of the ways you can help us celebrate is by showing your financial support. Consider donating $40 for 40 (or more!). Your contribution supports student scholarships, artist residencies, and special events, such as our 3 culminating festivals, showcasing the outstanding accomplishments of our students.
Donations are made through the Richland Two Education Foundation. By clicking the button below, you will be taken to a third-party site to complete the transaction.
IMPORTANT! THE THIRD PARTY SITE WILL AUTOMATICALLY ADD AN OPTIONAL FEE. This is completely beyond our control, but it is also completely optional. You can select OTHER from the dropdown menu and manually lower the amount. Standard transaction fees are roughly 5%. Please adjust that amount at your discretion. You can likewise adjust your overall donation amount beyond just the pre-selected options.
