The Medal of Honor in the Arts ceremony, now in its sixth year, seeks to showcase Winthrop talent as it recognizes illustrious educators, philanthropists, artists and administrators honored each year.

This year’s ceremony on Oct. 19 noted the contributions of five individuals with musical selections, theatrical scenes, dance pieces and works of art, performed or created by a cadre of talented students and faculty members. Pieces were chosen specifically to reflect the life and works of the honorees: the late Mark Coplan, a private collector and advocate of South Carolina fine and outsider art; Beryl Dakers, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and SCETV journalist; Carlisle Floyd, internationally renowned opera composer; Rock Hill resident Betty Plumb, advocate for the arts and art education; and Dan Wagoner, internationally known choreographer and professor of modern dance. More on the honorees.

The performances consisted of:

• “Visual Illusion” for Wagoner, choreographed by Mary Beth Young, associate professor of dance and imaging concept by Mark Hamilton, associate professor of fine arts.

• Four selections by the Winthrop Chamber Singers to honor Floyd, under the direction of Katherine Kinsey, associate professor of music.

• A visual presentation and remembrance by Paul Matheny `96, chief curator of art at the S.C. State Museum, in memory of the late Mark Coplan.

• An excerpt from the play, “Art,” directed by Daryl Phillipy, assistant professor of theatre, to celebrate the achievements of arts advocate Plumb.

• “The Game of Hiding” choreographed by student Danielle Doucet, for Dakers.

Funds raised for the event will provide a scholarship for Jessica Elise Manner, a senior from Spartanburg who is pursuing a bachelor of fine arts in art with a concentration in visual communication. A student of exceptional creative talent, leadership, initiative and academic excellence, Manner displayed her designs in the Johnson Hall lobby during the ceremony.