Bill > HCR274

This Concurrent Resolution honors Stephen Stearns for his significant artistic and community contributions, particularly through his founding of the New England Youth Theatre (NEYT) in Brattleboro, Vermont. NEYT, established in 1998, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth of all abilities through the dramatic arts, with a mission statement emphasizing that it is "of children, for children and by children." The resolution highlights Stearns' personal journey, including overcoming dyslexia to become an advocate for those who struggle, and his vision to create a children's theater, which he realized after moving to Vermont in 1975. It details NEYT's growth from its first performance in 1999 to its current status as a substantial community resource with a large budget, numerous staff, and a renovated theater complex that hosts many events annually. The resolution also acknowledges Stearns' international work with the Maria's Children organization and marks his transition to founder and trustee emeritus of NEYT, recognizing his enduring impact.