Local educator selected for Governor’s Arts Award

A special education instructor with Lawrence Public Schools has been selected for a Governor’s Arts Award, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced Thursday.

Lannell Finneran, who uses the arts to teach her students with severe emotional issues, will receive the award during a ceremony June 18 in Topeka.

Finneran uses drama with her students, and she is on the board of directors for the National Association for Drama Therapy. She also has authored several publications about drama therapy.

Other recipients were the city of Salina (arts community), Kathrine Walker Schlageck of Manhattan (arts in education), Ann and Dennis Ross of Wichita (arts patrons), James Rivers of Topeka (artist) and Dora Mae Timmerman of Wichita (arts advocate).

Chuck Comeau of Plainville was selected for the Distinguished Arts Award for his work in designing furniture and textiles.