Students, parents, and teachers gathered in Haven’s auditorium on Thursday, April 24, to recognize student artists through varsity arts awards.
Faculty advisors nominated 169 students for these awards.
“It just shows that our school is very well-versed in the arts,” junior Norah Magargee said. Magargee won an award for Dance Haven.
These awards echo traditional varsity letters awarded to student athletes.
“When the varsity arts were initially formed back in 1984, the reason that they formed them was the art teachers wanted to show that the arts were just as important as receiving a varsity letter for somebody who excelled in a sport,” K-12 music department chair Mr. Steven Fischer said. “If you excel in something like the arts, it takes just as much effort, if not more.”
Fischer notes that there are other ways for artistic students at Haven to be recognized, such as senior nights, concerts, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and district, regional, and state competitions.
“Unlike many other schools, we’re not only gravitating towards sports. There’s so many ways to express yourself, so everyone has a place,” sophomore Scott Snyder said, who won his second award in theater.
The night included performances by the Saxophone Quartet, the Silvertones, and displays of visual artwork. These preceded the ceremony, where faculty advisors spoke before calling nominees to the stage to shake hands and pose for a photo. Speeches thanked families and teachers, and linked the skills learned in specific art forms to real-life success.
“My favorite part of the night was hearing what all of the teachers had to say about the students. The speeches that came before really put it into perspective how awesome they are,” Snyder said.
Fischer said that he and his colleagues choose students who go above and beyond in their field.
“If you have a creative element in you and you’re really passionate about that thing, and you try really hard at it, that’s what it takes to get a varsity award,” Snyder said.
Varsity Arts rewards student contributions in the fields of visual arts, technical arts, writing, publishing, music, performing arts, and dance, according to the invitation sent to nominated students.
Magargee acknowledged the special feeling that comes from receiving a varsity arts award. “It allows me to…show what I love to do,” she said.
Fischer pointed to the growth of the marching band from under 30 members 40 years ago to over 300 currently as an example of growth in Haven’s arts programs.
“I’m hoping that the arts continue to grow and flourish in the district. I know they have through the years. So it seems like Varsity Arts has grown since I’ve been here, as we’ve added more programs, more electives,” he said.
Interim Superintendent Dr. James Scanlon closed the evening by recognizing Fischer’s efforts in organizing the awards and praising the role of the arts at Haven.
“There is nothing extra about the arts,” Scanlon said.
