Event Emcee: Leonard Earl Howze (1995, CA)

Leonard Earl Howze is a 1995 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. He's an alumnus of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and received his BFA in Acting/Theater Arts from the State University of New York, Theater/Acting Conservatory at Purchase College. 

In April 2018 he graced the stage in the Lone Tree Arts Center's stunning production of August Wilson's award winning play, Fences. Although Theater is Leonard's foundation, upon graduating, his commercial, film & television career took off. He's been seen in numerous national commercials, and made his feature film debut in the box office hit 'Barbershop'. He later reprised his role in the film's sequel, 'Barbershop 2: Back in Business'. He currently stars on the CBS sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', opposite Kevin James & Leah Remini. You can watch him starring in the Netflix action/comedy 'The True Memoirs of an International Assassin'. Most recently Mr. Howze starred in the gripping indie drama Live Cargo, which was well received at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. He also appears in the independent film, 'Brave New Jersey' (also available on Netflix), which premiered at the 2016 Austin Film Festival. Other notable film credits include: Antwone Fisher, The Lone Ranger, The Ringer, and Faults. Television credits include a series regular role on TNT's Memphis Beat, and guest starring roles in Masters of Sex, Shameless, NCIS, My Name is Earl, along with many others. 

Leonard credits his mother's work ethic and support of his dreams to his success. 

He is overjoyed to be returning as emcee for 2018 Presdidential Scholars Honors Dinner & Salute, after first joining us as emcee in 2014 for the Presidential Scholars 50th Anniversary celebration.