FINE ARTS
SIGNING DAY
BY SHELBY GRAHAM
Nixa Public Schools is different from any other school district in
Missouri, in that Nixa Public Schools is “one Nixa”. This concept
was shown when the Nixa High School’s Fine Art’s Department
decided to hold a signing day for all the students continuing
their fine arts education in college the following year. During
the event, each of the teachers from the fine arts program,
which includes band, choir, drama, and visual arts, presented
each of their students continuing into college with their
respective fields.
“The fine arts are an integral part of our
students’ lives. For many students, the
fine arts are what keep them motivated,
driven and inspired." - Ryan Widel,
Visual Arts Department Head
“The teachers this year have been very committed to bringing
the different programs together so we can help better promote
the outstanding work that happens by all these gifted students,”
Craig Finger, director of bands, said. “We already plan on a few
tweaks for next year. We want to hold it earlier in the school
year so that seniors are still at schools, as well as hold it
immediately after school so more of the seniors’ friends can
attend and show their support.”
In the first year, the event has already recognized 14 graduating
seniors, with the hopes that it will grow even more in the next
few years both in senior participation and the amount of people
in attendance, discussed visual arts department dead, Ryan
Widel. “Any time we can make a student feel special about their
accomplishments and put them on a pedestal for the work they
have not only done, but also goals they are already setting, it is a
win for the individual, their family, the department they
represent, fine arts as a whole, Nixa High School, and the
universities they are choosing to go to."
Finger added, “This is just another way for us to move outside
our own classrooms and celebrate something bigger than the
individual programs.”
Recognizing the graduates is still the main priority, says Widel
“The fine arts are an integral part of our students’ lives. For
many students, the fine arts are what keep them motivated,
driven and inspired. So, it is great when we can shine some light
on the fine arts by highlighting those that not only have spent
countless hours in the high school fine arts program but are also
continuing with their fine arts experience at the next level.”
EAGLE EXPRESS | SUMMER 2019 PAGE 13