Children's Concert

The MPO presents a series of free concerts for all third and sixth grade students in Grant County each year. High School and Middle School Performing Groups are also invited.

On March 22, 2012, Assistant Conductor Jose’ Valencia will conduct the MPO at the 2012 Children’s Concerts at Indiana Wesleyan University.  This concert is presented in honor of LaRita Boren.  Selected students will have a chance to conduct the orchestra and to perform with the percussion section.  Maestro Valencia will visit attending schools prior to these performances to introduce children to the music.

Contact the MPO office for more information.
 

LaRita Rae Boren
1935 - 2010

On September 20, 1935, LaRita Rae was born in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to Raymond O. and Melba Gibbs. Her father owned and was president of a small-town bank and her mother was an educator. LaRita received her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in I957. After graduation LaRita became a stewardess for TWA Airlines where she worked until she married her husband, Leland E. Boren, on July 3, 1958.The couple have lived in Upland on LeLaLo Farms since 1965 where they raised their three children: Lori, Landrew, and Lael who provided LaRita with six special grandchildren to love: Andrew Bowser, Samy Bowser, Karan Meyers, Kenny Meyers, Katelyn Boren, and Luke Boren.

In addition to being the major shareholder of Avis Industrial Corporation, LaRita held the position of Executive Director. She enabled Avis to receive national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. She was a member of the Board of Directors of each of Avis' ten subsidiary companies and was the major shareholder and director of International Baler Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida.

LaRita was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Business Management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Taylor University. She was twice honored a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor bestowed upon a citizen of the State of Indiana by the Governor. She was the recipient of the 2009 G. Roselyn Kerlin Women in Leadership Award, which Taylor University established to recognize alumnae who have provided godly leadership in their personal and professional lives and who have exhibited an extraordinary commitment to Jesus Christ and to others. Rosie Kerlin, for whom the award is named, was the first woman to serve as chair of the Taylor University Board of Trustees and has been LaRita's best friend while on this earth. In 2008 LaRita was inducted into The Indiana Academy by the Independent Colleges of Indiana for her lifetime of achievement and contributions to the cultural, scientific, literary, civic, religious, and educational development of Indiana. LaRita was a member of the Taylor University Board of Trustees from 1975-2009, and in 2009 she retained the title Trustee Emeritus; she was a member of the Board of Directors of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, Indianapolis, Indiana, since 1998; and Board of Directors of Lyford Cay Foundation, Nassau, Bahamas, since 1991.  The Lyford Cay Foundation is instrumental in providing college educations for over 2,000 Bahamians in the U.S. and Canada, which LaRita passionately supported. LaRita served on the Governor's Residence Commission with Mrs. Judy O'Bannon during Frank O'Bannon's term as governor. LaRita was very proud of her association and tenure on the Prevention of Child Abuse Board, the Indiana Chapter of the National Committee. She also most recently served on the Boards of Directors of The Boren Foundation, Inc., Citizens Plaza Building, LLC, Citizens Travel Agency; and Spring Hill Music Group, Inc.

Survivors include her husband, Leland E. Boren, Upland; daughter, Lori (Bryan) Meyers, Upland; son, Landrew Boren, Longview, TX; son, Lael (Polly Boren, Upland; brother, Duane Gibbs, Rush Springs, OK; sister-in-law, Lucille Ashby; Anderson, and grandchildren: Andrew Bowser, Samy Bowser, Kenny Meyers, Karan Meyers, Katelyn Boren, Luke Boren.

Memorials may be made to Taylor University, 236 W Reade Ave., Upland, IN 46989 or First Light Child Advocacy Center, 707 N. River Dr. #B, Marion, IN 46952-2640.