While schools all over the country are eliminating their elective programs, wiping out the arts in their districts, the Grass Valley School District continues its support of programs that enrich and fulfill students in middle school.

Lyman Gilmore's annual Celebration of the Arts offers an opportunity to observe and support this effort. This year's Grand Event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Auditorium on South Auburn Street.

The program features performances by the Lyman Gilmore bands, choirs and dance classes, a video production developed by our digital arts classes, an art show in the lobby and a video of the various visual arts classes. Culinary arts students will sell desserts they have prepared. Drama students and GV Connect Student Ambassadors will be handing out programs. Pizza will be sold by the Visual Arts Department.

A silent auction will be offered by the Nevada Union and Lyman Gilmore interact clubs, which will benefit the Nevada County Food Bank and the Grass Valley Rotary Club's plan to build an amphitheater on the Gilmore campus.

Admission to cover rental costs of the Vets Hall will be $3 general admission, with children in grade five and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.