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ARMORY ART CENTER ANNOUNCES EXCITING LINEUP OF SPRING AND SUMMER ART EXPERIENCES

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April 8, 2024 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center is preparing for a busy, art-filled spring and summer at its historic West Palm Beach campus. Over the next few months, the Armory will host the Scholastics Art & Writing Awards exhibition, the next session of classes and workshops, and the beloved, popular Summer Art Camp.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards exhibition runs April 15-27, 2024, featuring the Gold Key-winning art by 125 students grades 7-12 from Palm Beach County and Martin County. It has grown into what is now a model program for the nation, exhibiting the best student artwork—including works in painting, drawing, digital art, photography, and mixed media. 

Meanwhile, the Armory’s next session of classes is the perfect way for artists of every level to sharpen their craft, from jewelry making and figure drawing to painting, ceramics, and more. The session takes place April 22-June 15, 2024. Visit canvas.armoryart.org/classes for details or to register.

The Summer Art Camp will once again return, giving students ages 51/2-17 the chance to enjoy fun, educational art workshops in the heart of West Palm Beach—in a safe environment with professional art educators and teaching artists. Campers will discover the work of renowned artists, experiment with different materials, and try new techniques to make their own masterpieces. Camps run June 3-Aug. 2, 2024. Visit armoryart.org/sac for more details or to register.


If You Go (Details)

All events take place at the Armory Art Center (811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401) unless otherwise noted. For complete details about these upcoming events, visit armoryart.org.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
April 15-27, 2024
Gold Key Ceremony (April 27, 10 a.m.-noon)

Session 5 Workshops & Classes

April 22-June 15, 2024

Summer Art Camp

Junior Cultural Art Camp (ages 51/2-8; 9-12): Budding artists will journey across the globe and throughout history during Cultural Art Camps. Led by seasoned teaching artists, campers will attend two different studio classes, allowing them to explore various media and projects throughout the day. 

Schedule: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuition: $300/week* (supplies included)

  • Week 1, June 3-7: POP POP POP!
  • Week 2, June 10-14: Oceanic Expedition
  • Week 3, June 17-21: Latin Adventures 
  • Week 4, June 24-28: Abstraction 
  • Week 5, July 1-3: Space Odyssey
    *The week of July 4 will be a 3-day camp with reduced pricing
  • Week 6, July 8-12: Island Time
  • Week 7, July 15-19: Larger than Life
  • Week 8, July 22-26: Then and Now
  • Week 9, July 29-Aug. 2: Super-Sized Sculptures

Teen Studio Intensives (ages 13-17): This camp is for students currently enrolled in the arts or those interested in learning and experimenting. Students will work in specific media to develop their skills, prepare portfolio-ready artwork, and explore and elaborate on their practice—in a studio atmosphere free of judgment and full of encouragement. 

Schedule: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m., or 4-6 p.m. Tuition: $160/week (3-hour workshop), $106/week* (2-hour workshop)

  • Week 1, June 3-7: Drawing & Painting Studio, Portfolio Development, or Ceramics Handbuilding
  • Week 2, June 10-14: Sketchbook Construction or 3D & Mixed Media
  • Week 3, June 17-21: 3D & Mixed Media or Ceramics Handbuilding 
  • Week 4, June 24-28: Ceramics Wheel Throwing, Drawing & Painting Studio, or Portfolio Development
  • Week 5, July 1-3: Drawing Out & About or Sketchbook Construction
    *The week of July 4 will be a 3 day camp with reduced pricing
  • Week 6, July 8-12: Portfolio Development or Ceramics Wheel Throwing
  • Week 7, July 15-19: Drawing & Painting Studio, 3D & Mixed Media, or Ceramics Wheel Throwing
  • Week 8, July 22-26: Sketchbook Construction or Portfolio Development
  • Week 9, July 29-Aug. 2: Ceramics Handbuilding or Drawing Out & About

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About the Armory Art Center:

Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory Art Center’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from preschool to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public. 

The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

Alliance of Women Executives – May 2024

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The Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) held its 7th annual scholarship awards ceremony on May 7th at the Wellington National Golf Club. The event, emceed by WPTV news anchor Shannon Cake, saw the recognition of 24 deserving high school graduates awarded scholarships.

Sponsors for the event included Plastridge Insurance, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance, Florida Power & Light, Flagler Credit Union and Quatrro Business Solution Services. 

Each scholarship recipient received a new laptop, a Maxwell Career Assessment and a one year membership to the Young Professional Group of the Boynton Beach Online Chamber. Additionally, Prom Beach invited scholarship recipients to select formal wear for future events.

A highlight of the evening was awarding the first multiyear scholarship to one fortunate student, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the event.

The scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds, with 7 planning to attend Palm Beach State College, 13 becoming Florida Atlantic University students, 2 attending Palm Beach Atlantic University, and 2 entering Lynn University. Notably, 10 of the recipients will be the first in their family to attend college, highlighting the significance of the scholarships in supporting these students’ educational aspirations.

The students expressed their intentions to pursue a range of degrees including nursing, law, forensic investigations, STEM fields, medicine, psychology and the arts showcasing their academic diversity and ambition.

AWE, founded 8 years ago by Vicki Tate, is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization. With the inclusion of the 2024 awards, AWE has now granted 127 scholarships to young women in Palm Beach County. 

Vicki Tate, the founder of AWE, expressed her gratitude to the members and donors for their passion and dedication, emphasizing the importance of AWE’s mission to Palm Beach County and the young women it serves.

AWE’s mission focuses on providing a platform for professional women to come together, share knowledge and experiences, while making a positive impact on future generations of young women in Palm Beach County through academic scholarships. The organization has received recognition for its efforts including the Florida’s Children First Advocates for Children award and multiple nominations for Best Small Nonprofit.

For more information about AWE, please email info@aweinc.org or visit www.aweinc.org

Center for Creative Education Announces New Educational Services Advisory Committee

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Local Leaders Come Together to Transform Education through the Arts in Palm Beach County

Above: Robert Hamon and Chelneca Templeton. Photo: courtesy of CCE.

(West Palm Beach, FL). The Center for Creative Education (CCE) recently welcomed members of its newest standing committee, the Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC), with a reception at its West Palm Beach campus on April 11. The group serves a vital role within CCE, with a clear focus on governing the organization’s independent school, The Foundations School (TFS).

“Our aim is to ensure that our educational services exceed expectations, not only offering strategic guidance to enrich the TFS student’s learning experience through creativity and the arts, but also serving as a model for the field of teaching and learning,” said CCE’s Chief Operating Officer, Jerry Crank. “This group’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing education is impressive, as are their credentials. We are fortunate to have the benefit of their expertise, experience and guidance.”

ESAC members include Marcia Bedasse, Associate Professor/Dean at the School of Education and Behavioral Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University; Anthony Bethel, CEO at Godspeed Academy; Susannah Brown, Professor of Visual Art Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Florida Atlantic University; Fabiana DesRosiers, Chief Executive Officer at the Hispanic Human Resources Council; Charles Hagy, Head of Middle School at The Benjamin School; Tracy Haynes, Crisis Intervention Teacher at The School District of Palm Beach County; Grace M. Joyce, Development Service Operations Manager at The City of Riviera Beach; Timothy Ladd, Director of Teacher Education at Palm Beach Atlantic University; Eileen Lyons, Artist; Mary Moffett, Education Consultant; Eliana Mukherjee, Professor of Teacher Education at Palm Beach State College; Daniel Seager, Retired Lieutenant Commander of S.W.A.T. Team at the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office; Sylvia L. Sharps, Legislative and Advocacy consultant; Pilar Forero Taylor, Director of Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy at Florida Atlantic University; Eric Telchin, author and broker at The Telchin Group LLC; and Chelneca Templeton, retired Provost and Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

The Foundations School at CCE is a K-5 independent school focused on improving literacy and weaving the arts into academic subjects. At the end of the last year, 89% of third graders at The Foundations School were reading on or above grade level compared to 21.5% in surrounding schools and 33% of 4th grade students nationwide. The Foundations School aims to enroll students from underserved communities; the school uses a sliding fee scale to determine family contributions to tuition and applies significant scholarships to cover the balance. This ensures that no family is turned away for an inability to pay.

“Transforming teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do,” said CCE President and CEO Robert Hamon. “With the support of the ESAC, we’re making significant strides towards our vision of a world where every student, regardless of their circumstances, can achieve academic success.”

The committee’s responsibilities are wide-ranging, from ensuring that the CCE’s work remains aligned with its mission and vision to identifying beneficial partnerships that can enhance the organization’s impact. Members are selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the community, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are brought to the table, and that all stakeholders are represented, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment.

For additional information on The Foundations School or Center for Creative Education, visit cceflorida.org. To make a donation toward a scholarship, please call please call Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla at 561.805.9927; extension 106.

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TAP Auditions for Mean Girls and Heathers

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Theatre Arts Productions-TAP  and the Village of Wellington are excited to announce our summer shows!! “Mean Girls” (performed at the Wellington Ampitheater) and “Heathers” (performed at the Rinker Theatre at the Kravis Center).Call or email to get your audition slot today!

Mean Girls auditions will be held May 17 from 4:00-8:00 PM for actors 5-15 years of age. There will be a performance fee for participants in this production. Payment plans and a limited number of scholarships are available.

Heathers auditions will be held May 24 from 4:00-8:00 PM for actors age 16 and older.

Auditions will be held at the Wellington Community Center.

Theatre Arts Productions-TAP

Tapstars.info@gmail.com

561.568.8659

Wellington Community Center

12150 Forest Hill Boulevard 

Wellington, FL 33414

Unity in CommUNITY

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Celebrating the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party Presented by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

By Julie Khanna

Above: There were lots of smiling faces at the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party Presented by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. Aparra Photography.

Measuring social impact in its entirety is as impossible as counting the water molecules in a cup runneth over, largely because the ripple effects travel far and wide lasting generations in longevity. Genuinely knowing the impact on so many lives cannot be assessed as one hand holds another, the way molecules bond in togetherness.

If impact could be quantified, it might look like the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party presented by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation in Delray Beach, Florida. A culmination of year-round efforts, it’s a place for all to unite and honor one another.

Around 1500 people from all over Palm Beach County gathered on May 4th, 2024, for the lively celebration of community, connectedness, and EJS Project’s mission to build and empower tomorrow’s leaders. The event symbolizes the vision originally set forth by Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Founder and Executive Director of the EJS Project, to reduce the vulnerability footprint for folks in the community he grew up in.

Above: Romeo Brown, Brooklyn Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Malachi Kennick, Jacolby Baker, Gertavian Blake (orange), Jose Brown (black), Oscar Watson, Jordan Lyles-Mann, Dupree Jackson, and Robert Shanfield pose for a photo. Aparra Photography.

People danced in front of the stage, which amplified live performances from local talent, a drum circle, step teams, the DJ, and music. Children laughed and wove their way through the Kids Zone and bounce houses and got dressed up in first responder gear while exploring the ins and outs of emergency vehicles brought by the Delray Beach Fire Department and Delray Beach Police Department. The dunk tank drew a crowd as community leaders like Delray Beach Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long and Atlantic High Football Coach Jamelle Murray volunteered to make a splash. Games, a towering stilt walker, and contests entertained everyone. Local businesses, marketplace vendors, community resource tents, and food trucks were also present to keep attendees hydrated, fed, and well-informed. The day brought everyone together, emphasizing the UNITY in commUNITY.

“The energy is contagious. I want people to feel good year-round and know that they have help. Know that they’re not in this alone. That’s what I hope,” said Jackson. “Any movement is as strong as the people that believe in it. Our sponsors cover the production costs, so we can host a friendraiser that brings people together.”

Connecting the community to resources is a cornerstone of the EJS Project’s daily work and is met with eager participation from supporters- many of whom were in attendance.

“We are longtime supporters of the EJS Project. Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) is all about investing in community, and what better way to do that than to come out and support an event that brings families and communities together,” said Dr. Clarice Redding, Director of Advancement for CPSFL and one of the event sponsors in attendance.

On the other 364 days of the year, the EJS Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides teen mentorship and programming in a safe after-school center at 700 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Programming includes ‘Bout Dat Action, designed to keep youth engaged in City Commission meetings with the Delray Beach Police Department, beautification efforts, civic engagement, and leadership. Purpose Pays engages participants in meaningful employment, internships, and summer work experiences. Project Hub allows youth to drop in during the regular evening hours to hang out, complete homework, and utilize free WIFI and technology. Youth also have access to mental health support, and transportation is provided, eliminating one of the biggest obstacles to participation.

The youth that attend the center reflect Dupree Jackson’s childhood, and as an adult, he knew he wanted to be a producer of positive outcomes instead of a product of his environment.

“Watching Dupree grow the EJS Project over the years and seeing the impact on current and future generations has been inspiring. One of the first things that caught my attention was his passion for the work he’s doing, and it’s just been a pleasure to witness and be a part of,” said EJS Project Board Director Robert Shanfield.

As another successful year of the Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party presented by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation closes, the daily work continues. Creating positive core memories, refocusing trajectories, and decreasing vulnerability footprints guarantees that the impact will spill out well beyond the Delray Beach community, this generation, or every person the EJS Project has yet to meet for themselves- a promise that Emmanuel “Dupree” Jackson’s mission to empower tomorrow’s leaders is thriving. 

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.ejsproject.org.

Above: Delray Beach Fire Rescue and law enforcement provided a hands-on experience for attendees. Aparra Photography.

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER KICKS OFF SUMMER WITH A FREE KIDS EVENT ON MAY 31

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Tequesta, Fla., (May 9, 2024) – Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) is gearing up for the summer season with an exciting Summer Kick-Off Event on Friday, May 31, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Held at LAC’s location at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469, this event offers free admission to the family-friendly “Stitching Spectacular” exhibition and engaging children’s activities, including storytimes, arts and crafts, a coloring contest, and light bites and refreshments. For more information, visit lighthousearts.org.

“Our Summer Kick-Off Event is a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the beginning of summer with art and creativity,” expressed Jeni Licata, Executive Director of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “We’re delighted to provide complimentary admission to the ‘Stitching Spectacular’ exhibition and to offer children an array of interactive activities.”

Running through August 2, the “Stitching Spectacular” exhibition features the intricate textile art by Irem Yazici, which vividly brings to life scenes from the beloved children’s book ‘Princess Pinecone and the Wee Royals’ by C.C. Bernstein. Additionally, the exhibition will showcase eight collaborative textile yarn upcycle projects crafted by LAC’s summer campers. These pieces, aligning with the weekly summer camp themes, are available for a $300 donation, with each contribution funding a scholarship for a child to attend a week of LAC’s ArtCamp.

‘Princess Pinecone and the Wee Royals’ was inspired by stories Bernstein’s mother used to tell her before bedtime. The book centers on Princess Pinecone, who is the size of a grain of rice, and her friends and carries messages of empathy, forgiveness, and kindness. Bernstein earned an MFA in fictional writing from NYU and a B.A. in English from Georgetown University. She now resides in Connecticut, working on her debut novel.

Irem Yazici, the talented hand embroidery artist behind the intricate stitchings, is from Eskisehir, Turkey. Self-taught and endlessly creative, Irem’s work has garnered international acclaim and has been featured in prestigious publications such as TextileArtist.org, Vice’s The Creator’s Project, and Vogue.

Summer ArtCamp runs from June 3 to August 2 and provides kids aged 5 to 11 with an immersive artistic experience. From “Surfin’ Safari” to “Space Odyssey,” each week of camp offers exciting themes and hands-on projects, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more. LAC offers dynamic one-day workshops for teens aged 12 to 16 for $136 that explore fused glass, jewelry making, and recycled collage techniques.

About Lighthouse ArtCenter:

Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery & School of Art is 501c(3) not-for-profit founded in 1964 by eight artists and Christopher Norton. The ArtCenter is dedicated to the visual arts whose mission is to inspire, engage, and connect our community through a vibrant school of art, unique exhibitions, and diverse special events. The center has grown into a three-building campus with a Gallery & 2D Studio, a 3D Studio, and a Jewelry & Textile Studio. Supported by memberships, tuition, grants, and donations, Lighthouse ArtCenter serves over 20,000 visitors, 3000 students, 45 faculty members, 400 summer art campers, and a comprehensive outreach program to benefit under-served populations. For more information, visit https://www.lighthousearts.org.

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER GALLERY AND 2D STUDIO

373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469

561-746-3101

3D STUDIO

395 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, FL 33469

STUDIO 385

Jewelry and Textiles

385 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469

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Calendar Listing:

Friday, May 31, 2024, 1 pm – 3 pm – Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) is gearing up for the summer season with an exciting free Summer Kick-Off Event. The event includes admission to the family-friendly “Stitching Spectacular” exhibition and engaging children’s activities, including storytimes, arts and crafts, a coloring contest, and light bites and refreshments. “Stitching Spectacular” features the intricate textile art by Irem Yazici, which vividly brings to life scenes from the beloved children’s book ‘Princess Pinecone and the Wee Royals’ by C.C. Bernstein. The event occurs at LAC at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. For more information, visit lighthousearts.org.

PALM BEACH COUNTY EDUCATORS CELEBRATED AT 40th ANNUAL WILLIAM T. DWYER AWARDS FINALIST VIP RECEPTION

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WEST PALM BEACH (May 9, 2024) –  The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation hosted a VIP reception at the M/Y Café at Rybovich Marina on April 23, 2024, to honor twenty-eight finalists and sponsors of the Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education. Huizenga Holdings graciously hosted this special event, which marks the 40th year of celebrating educational excellence in Palm Beach County.

“2024 marks our 40th event celebrating excellence in education in Palm Beach County. We are honored by a record number of sponsors,” said Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “Forty-five organizations are participating in celebrating excellence in education. The excitement is contagious, and we hope our community joins us in recognizing these outstanding educators.”

Deana Pizzo, Dwyer Awards Chair, welcomed guests and recognized distinguished attendees, including Palm Beach County School District Board members, elected officials, and school district leadership. Superintendent Michael Burke introduced the esteemed finalists representing various categories, including Early Education, Elementary, Middle, and High School Education, Special Programs, STEM Education, and Student Advancement & Career Education.

The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984 and supported by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County with a reception, ceremony, and financial recognition. The program seeks to increase awareness of the exemplary teaching in our community and promote high standards of excellence in education. 

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County, comprised of business leaders deeply committed to fostering educational excellence, received nearly 450 nominations for the 2024 Dwyer Awards. Each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by almost one hundred prominent business leaders from Palm Beach County. This meticulous judging procedure culminated in selecting twenty-eight finalists across seven distinct categories, eventually recognizing seven winners, one from each category.

Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as emcee. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are $45 each and include a cocktail reception at 5:30 pm and the awards ceremony at 7:00 pm. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit https://www.economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyerawards/.

The 2024 Dwyer Awards would like to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Hanley Foundation; Excellence Sponsor – Elmore Family Foundation; Award Sponsors – Comcast, FPL, IT Solutions of South Florida, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, Mariaca Wealth, PNC Bank, and UnitedHealthcare; Finalist VIP Reception Sponsor – Huizenga Holdings; Staging Sponsor – Pratt & Whitney; Teacher Tickets Sponsor – Bank of America; Knowledge Sponsors – Baptist Health, Blue Ocean Capital, The Breakers, Gunster, Kitson & Partners, Oxbow Carbon, and The Weitz Company; Creativity Sponsors  – Jones Foster, Max Planck, SBA Communications, Shutts & Bowen, and Singer Comiter – Michael Singer; Teacher/Student Ticket Sponsors – 2GHO, CareerSource PBC, Dr. Dennis Gallon, Keshavarz, M&T Bank, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Tortoise Properties, Urban Design Kilday Studios, and Wellington Regional Medical Center; Media Sponsors – The Palm Beach Post, and WPBF.

For more information contact khanner@ec-pbc.org.

About the Economic Council of Palm Beach County:

Established in 1975, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that supports an open and collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors in Palm Beach County. The Council’s membership comprises a diverse mix of industries of varying sizes in the area whose leaders have an active and influential role in the community. Learn more about the Economic Council at www.economiccouncilpbc.org. The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Council.

Final Polo Match of 2024

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Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

In a “friendly” match between the USA and Argentina the 2024 NPC polo season came to a close before a loud, cheering group of spectators.

Argentina started with a one goal advantage due to handicapping, however it was not nearly enough to overcome a very strong USA team made up of Finn Secunda, Joaquin Avendano, Nico Escobar and Cody Ellis.

At halftime the score had the USA ahead 7-5.  The second half was dominated both offensively and defensively by team USA with a final score of 13-6.

The Argentinian team was comprised of Nacho Cabrera, Fernando Maciel Talavera, Agustin Obregon and Pablo Dorignac.