July 31, 2025 At this year’s HOT Schools Summer Gathering, themed Arts Education & Citizenship, attendees were treated to a moving and insightful reflection from our featured student speaker: eleven-year-old Finley Dreyer, a former student at Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut. Now attending Scofield Middle School, Finley’s time at Roxbury—a proud member of the HOT
Spotlight
From Transformation to Theater: The Story of Anthony DePoto and innerAct Theatre
When you meet Anthony DePoto, one thing becomes clear: his energy is boundless. As a Teaching Artist with Arts for Learning Connecticut and the founder of innerAct Theatre, Anthony has spent years shaping young minds through the transformative power of theater. His journey—from an introverted child to a dynamic educator and entrepreneur—is as inspiring as
Ben’s Lighthouse: Finding Light Through Art and Empathy
We’re delighted to feature Ben’s Lighthouse and its transformative programs in our Teaching Artist roster. Led by Executive Director Francine Wheeler, this extraordinary organization uses the power of art and performance to inspire empathy, self-awareness, and connection in children and teens. The Mission Behind the Light Ben’s Lighthouse was born out of an unimaginable tragedy—the
Gerald Moore: Building Resilience and Creativity Through Art
For Gerald Moore, creativity isn’t just about producing beautiful works of art—it’s about transformation, storytelling, and rebuilding. A sculptor, teaching artist, and member of the Arts for Learning CT (AFLCT) Teaching Artist community, Gerald brings a lifetime of experience, passion, and empathy to his work with students and educators. Through his innovative interactive sculpture program,