Artist of the Month – February 2022

Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends: Last month Assistant Principal Mary Lakey and I had the tremendous opportunity to attend the National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC 23) in Austin, TX. NCSC 23 proved to be a remarkable experience providing opportunities to exchange innovative ideas, gain insights into emerging educational practices, and connect with passionate individuals who share our commitment to providing exceptional education. As I reflect on our participation in NCSC 23, I am reminded of a quote from author Jim Stovall that resonates deeply with me: “Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel.” I firmly believe that investing in professional development not only benefits our dedicated faculty and staff but also translates into enhanced educational experiences for our students. It is through ongoing education that we continue to provide high-quality arts-integrated instruction and nurture the talents of each student at Harding Fine Arts Academy. I would like to express my gratitude for your unwavering support in our pursuit of professional development opportunities. It is your belief in our mission and your dedication to the growth of our school that empowers us to continually strive for excellence. As we move forward, we will be sharing the knowledge and insights gained at NCSC 23 with our faculty and staff, incorporating innovative practices into our classrooms, and leveraging our learnings to create an even more vibrant and engaging educational environment for our students. Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of the Firehawk Family. Together, let us continue to embrace the value of lifelong learning and empower our students to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Yours in ARTS, Taylor C. Stanton Superintendent Harding Fine Arts Academy

Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends: I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we embrace the beautiful spring season, it is with immense joy and pride that I write to you today. This is a time of celebration, as we honor and applaud the graduating class of 2023. Graduation is a milestone in the lives of our students, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is a time to reflect on their growth, accomplishments, and the incredible journeys that lie ahead for each and every one of them. I am thrilled to announce that this year, we have achieved a truly remarkable feat as 100% of our graduating class has successfully completed their high school education. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students, the exceptional guidance of our educators, and the incredible support from our families and community. Moreover, I am delighted to share that the graduating class of 2023 has received a staggering $2.7 million in college scholarship offers. This exceptional accomplishment reflects not only the academic excellence of our students but also the recognition they have earned for their talents, skills, and potential. These scholarships will open doors and provide opportunities as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey. As we witness the remarkable achievements of our graduates, I am filled with hope for the future. Our students have shown us time and again their ability to rise above challenges, adapt to change, and embrace opportunities. They are a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination that will shape the leaders of tomorrow. To the graduating class of 2023, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your achievements fill us with immense pride, and we have every confidence that you will continue to shine brightly in all your future endeavors. As you step into the world beyond high school, remember the lessons you have learned, the friendships you have forged, and the limitless potential that resides within each and every one of you. To our cherished alumni, donors, and friends, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has played an integral role in shaping the lives of these exceptional young individuals. Your belief in the power of education and your commitment to fostering a nurturing environment have made a profound impact on our students’ success. As we celebrate the graduating class of 2023, let us also celebrate the future they represent. They are the embodiment of our shared hopes and dreams for a better world. They will carry forward the values we hold dear, shaping a future where creativity, compassion, and resilience are the guiding principles. Thank you for being a part of the Harding Fine Arts Academy family. Together, let us continue to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders, artists, thinkers, and change-makers. Yours in ARTS, Taylor C. Stanton Superintendent Harding Fine Arts Academy

Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends: I hope this letter finds you all in good health and spirits. As we approach the end of the academic year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all of our dedicated and hardworking teachers. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the efforts of our educators who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. At Harding Fine Arts Academy, we are proud to have a team of exceptional teachers who inspire, challenge, and support our students every day. I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion that our teachers bring to their work, and I am continuously impressed by their commitment to excellence. It is my great pleasure to announce that Naomi Rothrock has been named the HFAA Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award is given through a nomination process by the teachers themselves, making it a true honor to receive. Naomi is an outstanding educator who has demonstrated a deep commitment to her students and to the mission of Harding Fine Arts Academy. Her passion for arts-integrated teaching and learning is infectious, and her enthusiasm for French culture and language has helped to inspire countless students to achieve their full potential. On behalf of the entire HFAA Family, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Naomi for this well-deserved honor. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty, and we are grateful for her contributions to our school. Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of our teachers for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Thank you for all that you do to support our students and to make Harding Fine Arts Academy a truly exceptional school. Yours in ARTS, Taylor C. Stanton Superintendent Harding Fine Arts Academy