Keynote Speaker

Read notes from TRIO Director's keynote address.

Nationally renowned Artist Simon Silva will deliver the keynote presentation at the 31st Annual WESTOP Conference

It is with great enthusiaism that the 2009 Conference Committee announces the selection of  Simon Silva as the keynote speaker for the 2009 WESTOP Conference.  Mr. Silva will open the conference as part of the opening ceremony on Sunday, March 1, 2009,  6:00 pm, at the Downtown Sheraton Phoenix Hotel.  Mr. Silva is a nationally recognized artist and writer.  His subject matter often depicts the love of family situated in the life of farm workers.  This is a life that Mr. Silva knows and understands first hand, as a child he worked the fields along with his parents and siblings. 

Mr. Silva's presentation is titled: "Keeping The Dream Alive With The Arts."

Description: What can keep our students from dropping out of school and inspire them to follow their dreams? In an autobiographical presentation, Mr. Silva will present his life story as well as focusing on the things that can help all of our students succeed, even when starting from the bottom.  He will explain what art is and why art is the key component for success in a changing economy that is moving from technology based to a more conceptual based industry.  Art is a unique language that needs to be  understood and appreciated and respected.  Art is the universal language that can save many of our right brain thinking students that are being left out or ignored by a mostly left brain education system.

More information on Simon Silva and from the Latinos Speaker Bureau

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