Executive Director of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE) Donna Collins and her staff work tirelessly to inform the Ohio Legislature about the issues that impact Ohio's students and arts teachers. Recently, they were the driving force behind having one full credit in the arts added for graduation added as part of the Ohio Core.

Weekly updates compiled by Donna and her staff are sent to hundreds of people to keep them informed about the activities at the State House. This resource is a valuable tool to help inform school administrators about the latest education-based legislation.

As a sponsor of Ohio Arts Day and the coordinator of Ohio delegates for National Arts Day, Donna and her staff have provided opportunities for adults and students to meet and talk with state and national legislators about the need to continue funding for the U.S. Department of Education's Arts in Education program, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Under Donna's leadership, OAAE sings the praises of our work, draws the picture of arts education in Ohio, dances its way through politics, and acts like it is second nature. We owe much gratitude to Donna and OAAE.