Phil Vilar
Position: Technical Theater
School: Booker T Washington High School HSPVA
School District: Dallas Independent School District
City, State: Dallas, TX
Support Phil
Leave a comment
Get Updates
Phil Vilar was nominated by his colleague, Jeffrey Miller.
Mr. Vilar, a dedicated educator, goes above and beyond for all students, particularly LGBTQ+ students. He provides them with a safe haven, a kind and welcoming adult, and someone who doesn’t judge, but listens and offers a helping hand. His impact extends beyond students; he works with everyone he interacts with.
"He is an invaluable member of our team, and we are fortunate to have him," said Miller.
It is a privilege that Phil shares his immense talent and skill set in his work at Booker T. and beyond. Phil is a consummate professional and has elevated the conservatory offerings with his knowledge, passion and dedication to teaching. Phil is kind, inclusive, supportive and hard working. He is also funny and a complete joy to work with. I am deeply grateful to know him and my son and all of his students are lucky to have him as a teacher and mentor.
Phil has been a amazing teacher and mentor to my granddaughter. He is so deserving of this award!
When Phil Vilar started teaching at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in the fall of 2023, lives were immediately changed. I could not imagine a better award or recognition for what he has already accomplished and what he hopes to achieve.
Because Phil believes in his students, his students learn to believe in themselves. Phil is the kind of person who teaches not just the subject matter at hand, but he weaves in life lessons. Suddenly you realize that he’s transformed quiet, even timid students into confident leaders. His technical theatre skills & knowledge make Phil an indispensable member of Booker T Washington’s Theatre Conservatory faculty. Phil leads by example, showing the importance of both mastery of the subject and hard work. Phil goes above & beyond by taking on a myriad of additional responsibilities. He always takes time to check in with students to make sure they are supported. Phil’s joyful encouragement is contagious.
As a member of the BTW Theatre Guild (a parent organization), I have directly interacted with Phil on a regular basis. Phil is an absolute joy to work with. He is always willing to problem solve and is not only reliable but also a truly fun person. I have seen Phil’s efforts to encourage his students pay off in amazing extracurricular opportunities as well as improving their college applications and opening their eyes to a broad world of post-high school educational options.
As a parent, Phil is without a doubt the driving force behind why my child discovered & developed his passion for stage lighting. Phil also provided a great deal of support for my son and the other students in Phil’s daily small section class (aka Flex) as they navigated a very challenging and emotional loss last spring. Whether or not the Life Changer title is officially bestowed on Phil, he has already left an indelible impression on his students, their parents and his fellow teachers.
Phil is wonderful!! We love hiring Phil as one of our contract artists at Junior Players because we know he does such an incredible job and is such a positive force for our participants. Phil's dedication to giving students professional growth opportunities, mentorship, and encouragement is clear in every production he has worked with us. He always goes the extra mile and deserves to be recognized for his outstanding work and passion!
We LOVE Phil! Many of my former students go to Booker T just to be taught by him. He makes them feel safe, strong, and creative- he’s a blessing to our community! I’ll be sending more kiddos your way soon.
Phil is incredible! The devotion he shows to his craft and to his students is second to none!
Phil is a game changer in the world of technical theatre. Phil literally blew new life and growth into the technical program at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. Phil’s creativity, forward thinking visuals, and collaborative spirit are off the charts and matched only by Phil’s authentic, compassionate and generous commitment and support of all students, not just his own. It was my joy to witness!
Phil is an amazing teacher and a mentor to everyone at Booker T. He is a guiding light to all students and a friend to all. What an amazing human being!!
Phil has been an incredible mentor to students including my daughter and supports both educationally and emotionally for these kids in all that he does!
Phil has always been passionate about theater, but more importantly, about how theater can enrich people’s lives. Through teaching, Phil has found a way to pass on this passion to students and show them the joy of the arts. #LCOY
As a former student, I owe so much of my tech theatre knowledge to Phil. But more importantly to me, I can say that the safety net that Phil provides for LGBTQ students (in a state that continues to make them more and more vulnerable) is absolutely invaluable. Thank you for everything, Phil
