Every spring, students from across Oklahoma receive special recognition at the State Superintendent’s Awards for Arts Excellence. The 31st annual event, hosted by the Oklahoma Alliance of the Arts, Oklahoma State Department of Education and Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, will be held as a virtual ceremony on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 7 p.m. CST.
Four Harding Fine Arts Academy students have been selected as recipients of this prestigious award:
- Stephen Josiah Billingslea, Drama/Theatre & Vocal Music
- Erika Graham, Instrumental Music
- Abigail Manners, Drama/Theatre
- Lily Voth, Drama/Theatre
“For over 15 years, Harding has been providing exceptional arts-integrated programming to a diverse and accomplished student body.” said Superintendent Barry Schmelzenbach. “We have always known the arts add value to education and teaches skills that are carried through adulthood. I am thankful to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for recognizing the importance of the arts in Oklahoma City and we are so incredibly proud of these students – we cannot wait to support them during the virtual ceremony.”
High school juniors and seniors will be recognized individually in the virtual ceremony for their remarkable talents and will be mailed their medals and certificates. Students received awards in dance, drama/theater, instrumental music, piano, visual arts and vocal music. Teachers and administrators are also honored for their leadership and support of quality arts education and academic excellence in Oklahoma schools. Representatives of the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education reviewed all nominations during the selection process.
“This award is the highest accolade by the State of Oklahoma honoring students, teachers and administrators who exemplify arts excellence.” said Dr. Isolete DeAlmeida, Chair of the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education. “The award brings the disciplines of music, dance, theater and visual arts together, showing these recipients that their hard work, passion, creativity and expression are valued components of our communities and culture.”
Harding Fine Arts Academy is funded primarily through donations from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations. Donations can be made through the Foundation via online, by phone at (405) 702-6939, or by sending a check to 3333 N Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.
About the Award Winners
My name is Josiah Billingslea and I am a senior at Harding Fine Arts Academy. My life is surrounded by music and all things theatre. Since all the people that know me say I have a big mouth, I figured why not put it on stage! When I’m not performing or studying you can find me in my room almost always watch Adventure Time. I cant wait to see what the future holds and am ready for a new chapter.
My name is Lily Voth and I am a junior here at Harding Fine Arts. My main passion here at school, and other places, is musical theatre. I am this years secretary for our Thespians troupe, I have been in STUCO and NHS for all my years at Harding, and I do the morning announcements when I’m in person. After I graduate I plan to go to college to continue my studies in musical theatre and perform for as long as possible.
My name is Erika Graham and I am a senior at Harding Fine Arts Academy. In addition to playing the violin, I am involved with varsity basketball, school orchestra and the National Honor Society. After graduation, I plan to attend Oklahoma State University to major in Environmental Biology while playing in the University’s symphony orchestra.
