Rockford Public Schools will celebrate three successful RPS 205 alumni and one longtime educator on Friday, April 21, at the Fine Arts Hall of Fame annual induction.
The RPS 205 Fine Arts Hall of Fame awards recognizes former RPS 205 students who went on to achieve tremendous success in their arts field, or arts educators or advocates who have made a valuable impact on the arts. The 2023 Hall of Fame class includes:
Bun E. Carlos, a Lincoln Middle School and Guilford High School alumnus, is the original drummer for the Rockford-founded rock band Cheap Trick. With Cheap Trick, Carlos was inducted into the 2016 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Patrick Mattison is an Auburn High School Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) alumnus, artist and graphic designer. His resume includes impressive clients, like The White House, PlayStation, and GoPro.
Martin McDaniel is a former Eisenhower Middle School band teacher where he taught for 33 years, educating thousands of young musicians in Rockford. In his retirement, McDaniel volunteers as an RPS 205 Band Grandpa. He is still mentoring and teaching RPS 205 students and sharing his lifelong love for music.
Julia Schade is an Auburn High School Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) alumna, accompanist, and a Broadway performer. She's the musical director for the Tony Award-winning musical, "Six," a British musical comedy that was recognized at the 2022 Tony Awards.
CELEBRATE THE HALL OF FAME CLASS!
The event is at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at The Standard, 214 East State St.