Ludacris was the featured performed for UM Homecoming Events. Allison and a team from Hurricane Productions presented a tremendously successful packed house show at the Bank United Center on the UM Campus in Coral Gables, Florida.

Shannon Komisarchik , graduating from Nautilus Middle School on Miami Beach, has been selected as a winner of the established honor, popularly known as “The Bob Novack Music Awards”. Shannon is a classical pianist who has also trained and performed in Jazz and been a member of the Nautilus Jazz Band under the direction of Ray Modia. Shannon has achieved excellence in music performance, and has presented numerous recitals and concerts for her school and community. Her excellence has earned widespread acclaim.

Srivishnu Ramankutty, graduating from Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 and preparing to enter the New World School of the Arts, is an outstanding musician focusing on the viola and violin. He has been the Concertmaster of the school orchestra, has attended All State Orchestra as one of Florida’s finest young musicians, and he performs in the South Florida Youth Symphony. Music educator Nicolas Repetto at the school has been enormously impressed with Srivishnu and his continuously rising talent.

Each year the Bob Novack Music Award is presented at both Nautilus Middle School and Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 School to outstanding music students chosen by the schools’ music departments. The award is given in memory of the late Bob Novack, a life-long musician, band leader and music educator. Mr. Novack performed with famous bands throughout the United States including the Glenn Miller Band, and he led the Bob Novack Orchestras in South Florida for four decades. The awards are presented by his son, Paul Novack, former Mayor of Surfside. For more information, background, and a list of award winners, see the Archives.

Allison Novack receives the District's Outstanding Student Volunteer Award from Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho

Allison Novack has been named as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year for the entire Miami-Dade County Public School System. At a gathering of over 1,200 people at Jungle Island on April 15, 2010, the award was announced after a panel of judges had been reviewing nominations for the past several weeks.

Allison’s volunteer work in many capacities, including as President of the Junior State of America (MB Chapter), as Producer for the non-profit 1308 Productions organization, as organizer of youth voter registration projects, as host to a Congressional visit to Beach High, as an integral part of Sky News’ global coverage of US elections, as creator of Rock the Vote concerts and shows, and as an energetic student leader on the local, national and international level, all created positive results for her school and community.

The Miami-Dade County Public School District thanked Allison for her devotion to public service. On hand were Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho, School Board Vice Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, and School Board Members Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Dr. Wilbert Holloway, and Augustin Barrera. Also in attendance were corporate and business leaders, civic organizations, educators and public administrators.

Allison’s efforts have been spotlighted by Voice of America Radio, global television network Sky News, the United States Congress, Teen Voices “18 under 18″, and many other media and civic recognitions.

1308 has presented and supported events for educational and charitable causes in Miami Beach, Miami, St. Louis, and soon to come: in New York City.