Van Wezel Foundation Honors Maria Schaedler-Luera

February 23, 2022 – Sarasota

The Van Wezel Foundation (Foundation) announced Maria Schardler-Luera as the winner of the Appleton Arts Integration Award at its 20^th annual Inspiration Gala on Thursday, January 27, 2022. The Appleton Arts Integration Award, given annually, honors a local teacher or educator who best incorporated arts integration techniques in their approach to better the community.

“The Foundation’s Appleton Arts Integration Award selection committee felt strongly that this year’s recipient, Maria Schaedler-Luera, was an outstanding choice as she exemplified the values of the Foundation’s mission and deep commitment to the power of the arts to promote mental and emotional well-being for our community,” said Foundation CEO Cheryl Mendelson.

“It is an absolute honor to receive this prestigious recognition. The Van Wezel Foundation has allowed me to be a part of a movement I truly care about. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to contribute what I know and impact the lives of students of all ages. Thank you for inspiring me to keep working hard and adding value to our community,” said Schaedler-Luera.

Schaedler-Luera is a Brazilian-born educator and artist with extensive work experience and knowledge in theater, music, arts and literacy, and cross-cultural engagement. In the past year, she has facilitated and piloted drama, mental health, mindfulness and professional development workshops and programs throughout the community. Schaedler-Luera also had the opportunity to present her culturally relevant work at the John F. Kennedy Center conference. 

The Appleton Arts Integration Award is made possible by a legacy gift from Louise Appleton, a local philanthropist who had a passion for arts and its connection to education. 

In addition to announcing the 2022 recipient of the Appleton Arts Integration Award, the Foundation also named Jillianne Abbott and Talia Casey as recipients of the Van Wezel Foundation Merit Scholarships. The scholarships support meaningful, high-quality arts integration across the region. The recipients, Abbot and Casey, will receive a scholarship to attend an approved national conference in arts integration or a local or virtual conference, respectively.

The annual scholarship is available to educators to enhance their work in their classroom and are made possible by Appleton’s legacy gift.