At Monday night's board meeting at Village Hall, Park Forest's Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) honored Donna Davenport, owner and founder of the FieldCrest School of Performing Arts, with the 2024 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year award.
The annual award recognizes Park Forest business owners for their contributions to the community through charitable work, service, and making a positive impact.
Phil Perkins, the chairperson of EDAG, presented the award to Davenport, highlighting her global influence.
"Under Donna's leadership, FieldCrest has received numerous regional and national accolades, including appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show," Perkins stated. "Locally, FieldCrest students have performed at prestigious events, such as halftime shows for the Chicago Sky basketball team."
Perkins noted that since its inception in 1977, the FieldCrest School of Performing Arts has been recognized as a premier studio in the performance world, often referred to as "the place where it all happens." Located at 201 Main Street in downtown Park Forest, the school serves boys and girls ages 3 to 18, helping them develop their skills as performers while teaching them valuable life lessons.
FieldCrest School of Performing Arts began in Chicago with just 10 students. Over the years, more than 15,000 children have come through the school to learn about the arts. In 2007, Davenport relocated the school to Park Forest, responding to requests from south suburban families for a more convenient location.
Davenport emphasized that her vision for FieldCrest goes beyond teaching the importance of the arts. Her goal has been to create a space where children develop an understanding of their value and potential, using the arts as a powerful tool for cultural enrichment. Her mission—to provide an education that nurtures self-esteem, creativity, and a sense of community—has guided the school for nearly five decades.
Students from FieldCrest School of Performing Arts have showcased their talents on some of the biggest stages. Notably, alumna Candace Savage has become a professional dancer and performed with artists such as Ciara, Gwen Stefani, Ne-Yo, Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, Cardi B, and Christina Aguilera. Last month, she was appointed as Beyoncé's assistant choreographer for her halftime show.
Davenport received an award recently and, while at the podium, thanked everyone for their support, reiterating FieldCrest's goals of expanding children's horizons.
"FieldCrest has always been about more than just the arts," Davenport stated. "It's about creating opportunities for personal growth by building lifelong friendships and making our community stronger."