Wielding excellence in the midst of diversity <br />Keynote Plenary Presentation IV

Francisco J. Núñez, a recipient of a 2011 MacArthur Fellowship presented to individuals for their "exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits," is the artistic director of the Young People's Chorus of New York City™ (YPC), a composer, conductor, visionary, and leading figure in music education. In 1988 he founded YPC to provide children of all ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds with a safe haven for personal and artistic growth and to date has changed the lives of thousands of young people. YPC is widely recognized for its exceptional caliber and was recently presented by First Lady Michelle with a 2011 National Arts & Humanities Youth Award, the nation's highest honor for youth programs.