Pulitzer Prize Finalist Author Returns to Her Houston High School: Now, That’s Inspiration

What: HSPVA Friends Encore luncheon

Where: Marriott Marquis

PC Moment: Could there be any greater inspiration for high school students than hearing from a grad who went on to be named a Pulitzer Prize finalist? Such was the reality when High School for the Performing & Visual Arts honored Susan Choi, class of 1986, author of four novels including 2004 Pulitzer Prize finalist American Woman.

Recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Choi has won numerous writing honors, was a recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and currently teaches fiction writing at Yale and New York University. She was interviewed by novelist Andrea White, a member of the Houston Chronicle editorial board.

Chaired by Julia and Thomas Pascal Robinson, the event raised more than $125,000 for the school.

Who: Jo and Jim Furr, Phoebe Tudor, Nirja and Jay Aiyer, Laura and John Calaway, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Susie Criner, Marita Fairbanks, George Lancaster, Lane and Bob Schultz and Barry Mandel.