School District names and dedicates 'Bruce Performing Arts Center'

Tim Bruce was back on the La Conner School District campus last Wednesday. Some 50 friends, colleagues and past school board members came to cheer and applaud as School Board President Kate Szurek announced, “it is with great appreciation that we chose to name this building the Bruce Performing Arts Center – in honor of you, your work, and all you have left to us.”

Bruce had been superintendent of the school district for 26 years, from 1990 to 2015. He supported and led efforts for a great expansion of drama and theatre.

Szurek recalled the struggles teacher Kathy Shoop had to develop a theatre program in the years before Bruce’s arrival. She said that, under Bruce’s tenure, there were fireworks, literally, and much more: “water features, a fountain, a pond, a waterfall. An on-stage shower!” But, more importantly, she said, was the participation, learning and impact on students, several of whom went on to the college stage.

Szurek also noted the growth in the physical infrastructure and Bruce’s success in gaining grants and funds for the theatre and ultimately for refurbishing the building. She also referenced his impact in the La Conner community and his role in developing the Poetry Festival. She said “this ‘little’ district, the whole Town of La Conner, became large: became the Mecca of poetry on the west coast.” Last weekend the 10th biennial Skagit River Poetry Festival took place.

Szurek credited Maureen Harlan and Gretchen McCauley’s leadership to recognize Bruce.

In his remarks, Bruce gave credit to school board leadership and thanked his staff, but also noted that he “worked like a dog.” He reflected on “a world of memories” saying it was the best 26 years of his life. Bruce expressed his hope for future student and district successes. To that end he pledged his family’s ongoing financial support for the building.

The group regathered outside, at the building’s entrance. Superintendent Whitney Meissner called on Bruce to help her unveil a brass wall plaque and, over the door, the words “Bruce Performing Arts Center” painted on the glass.

The crowd then went inside and up to the auditorium for the school drama club’s opening night performance of “Dracula.”