Dyane Smokorowski was named the 14th recipient of the Chasing Rainbows Award. She enjoyed a weekend trip to Dollywood where Dolly herself presented Dyane with the award. Each year, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) honors one outstanding educator with this prestigious award. The honoree is someone who "has overcome great obstacles in his or her life, has captured the rainbow and is helping children." This year’s winner serves as the Instructional Technology Coach for Andover Public Schools in Andover, KS. Smokorowski said,
“It is difficult to admit that my personal struggles actually prepared me to be a stronger person today. I wanted to be someone who could inspire others to reach beyond their environments, beyond their extremities, and to do as I have always done—to dream big!”
In 2002, Dolly became the first to receive this award from the NNSTOY. The award celebrated her commitment to fostering a love of reading among children through her Imagination Library. Since then, Dolly has presented the award each year.
Dyane Smokorowski's name will be added, along with past recipients, to the award displayed in the Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood.
For more information on the award and how to nominate an outstanding teacher, visit the NNSTOY website.
For the first time in a decade, the Showcase of Stars brings some of the biggest names in entertainment to Dollywood. Dolly, whose last benefit concert at the park was in 2005, kicks off the series with four concerts August 8 and 9 at D.P.’s Celebrity Theater, a venue which provides the perfect atmosphere for fans to enjoy this stellar concert schedule. Performers include Parton herself, as well Kenny Rogers and a few other special friends. The concert series takes place in August and September.
Thirty years ago Dolly envisioned a place in her hometown where families could spend time together and make memories; she found that in Dollywood. Thirty years later the theme park is the largest ticketed attraction in Tennessee and Dolly’s dream of helping to employ people in her hometown and bring families closer together has been fulfilled. In honor of Dollywood's 30th anniversary season, Dolly will open Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in the summer along with new shows, events and exciting announcements all season long! Dolly isn’t done dreaming and the 30th anniversary season promises to kick off another 30 years of fun.
From inspiring traditional dance to thrilling strength and agility, Rhythm of the Dance, along with Timber!, headline the 15th anniversary of Dollywood’s Festival of Nations and provide guests an international experience which transports them around the world. Dolly said,
“I’ve been all over this big world, and as an entertainer, I love nothing more than to see truly talented performers from every corner of the globe traveling to Dollywood to perform during my Festival of Nations. I can’t wait to share these fascinating treasures with the families at Dollywood to celebrate the kick off of our 30th anniversary season!”
Countries from around the globe are represented in this cultural celebration through diverse entertainment showcases, exotic cuisine and authentic craftsmanship. Exciting traditional displays give park guests a fascinating look into cultures worldwide.
Returning to help Dollywood celebrate 30 years of entertainment, as well as the 15th annual Festival of Nations, is the visually stunning show, Rhythm of the Dance. Showcasing traditional Irish dance and music with state-of-the-art technology, Rhythm of the Dance marries the contemporary and the ancient to present a thrilling and rich performance which highlights the journey of Irish Celts through history.
At the annual media event, Dolly shared the big announcement of her new website along with more exciting things coming to Dollywood during the park’s 30th season. When the floor was opened up for questions, longtime fan and administrator of Dollymania.net, Duane Gordon asked Dolly about the online countdown that had been counting down for the past several weeks on DollyParton.com. Dolly explained the historical nature of the site and how it brings all her favorite things together. She said,
“It’s kind of like a museum, kind of like a history of my life and music. It’s all about our businesses and my personal stuff.”
In addition to the new DollyParton.com announcement, the event featured new things coming to Dollywood, including the return of a summer concert series to benefit the Imagination Library. The goal is to raise $1 million for the global book gifting organization. Dolly will open the series with four performances on August 8-9. Kenny Rogers will close the series and more artists will be announced at a later date.
Dolly updated fans on her new production company, Dixie Pixie Productions. She said her new NBC movie series will begin with a Christmas movie based on her song, "Coat of Many Colors." The television movie is set to air Christmas of 2015.
The legendary entertainer fielded questions about the opening of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort set for later this year. The resort will offer more ways for families to enjoy Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Several performers from Dollywood’s Festival of Nations were showcased at the event. The GRAMMY award-winning Mariachi Divas opened, followed by the Invaders Steel Orchestra who wowed the crowd with a version of Dolly’s "9 to 5."
LiveStream recording of Dolly Parton's appearance.
