Circus Arts Conservatory Celebrates Seniors During Awards Banquet

May 26, 2021 – Sarasota

To celebrate all that was achieved through its Sailor Circus Academy program this past year, the Circus Arts Conservatory recently hosted its 2021 Awards Banquet. The event was attended by Sailor Circus Academy students from 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 and their families, coaches and staff. Approximately 110 were in attendance.

The event packed two years’ worth of festivities into one evening as last year’s banquet was canceled due to the pandemic. CAC leaders recognized last year’s outstanding seniors as well as this year’s six soon-to-be graduates with awards for their dedication to the program and highly-developed skills; members of this year’s senior class participated in the Sailor Circus Academy for anywhere from six to nine years. Students were also recognized for outstanding acts, artistry, attitude, ethics and biggest improvement. Top honors for most outstanding senior girl and boy were awarded to Reese Dennis and Tommy Johnson.

Attendees also enjoyed a decadent dessert bar, catered by Michael’s on East, as well as heartfelt words from CAC leaders Pedro Reis, Dolly Jacobs-Reis and Jennifer Mitchell. Other traditions included a senior slideshow and senior bequeaths to younger students, and scholarships were awarded. Lila Watkins received a scholarship to continue pre-professional training at CAC in preparation for applying to Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal, Quebec in the fall of 2022. College scholarships were awarded to Kennedy Cameron, Tommy Johnson, Walter Nord and Jenna Wynne.

“While we are sad to bid farewell to our hardworking, talented seniors, we are thrilled to know that the rigorous training and life skills they’ve gained through the Sailor Circus Academy will serve them well in their next chapter and beyond,” said CAC Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “We are proud to know that our students are recognized as future leaders as well as major contributors to the circus legacy in Sarasota. Regardless of what they choose to study in college or which career they pursue, they take with them a strong work ethic, courage, and the ability to work as part of a team.”

For more about the CAC and its Sailor Circus Academy program, go to circusarts.org.