For 35 years Bruce Graham has taught music in Monterey County's King City Elementary and High School. This year the Arts Council for Monterey County honor Bruce as its Education Champion of the Arts for Monterey County. Bruce is a painter, songwriter, actor and playwright who helped save King City's 997 seat WPA era Stanton Theater. His students benefit from the Monterey Jazz Festival's Jazz Masters program, which gives talented young musicians one-on-one in jazz from professional musicians. He is also working to create King City's first gallery, Sol Treasures, which the founders hope will function as both a gallery and performing arts center. Bruce will be honored at the Champions of the Arts Gala at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seaside on January 19, 2008 along with cartoonist Gus Arriola, poet Ric Masten, professional Todd Krupper, friend Elsie Dill, volunteer Orlando Castro, philanthropists Kim and Gina Weston, and the arts nonprofit Aromas Hill Artisans.