Central High School has received “a capstone achievement” for its arts education program: Kennedy Center recognition, one of the most prestigious arts education benchmarks in the country.

“I am so very proud of Central’s staff and students,” said Dr Marlie Williams, Central’s Principal. “Their talent is amazing!”

“The Kennedy Center award is a capstone achievement in a very good year for Central High School’s fine arts,” Williams said.

Kevin Griffin, secondary fine arts coordinator for SJSD, said the award reflects the collaboration of Central staff, administration, parents and students.

“This recognition puts Central’s arts education in the top tier nationally,” said Griffin. “It is an outstanding achievement.”

The award recognizes schools that have done an outstanding job of making the arts essential to the education of their students, said Griffin. The national and state level awards provide an important opportunity to honor schools and the role they play in providing a creative learning environment for outstanding student achievement.

The Kennedy Center award is presented to individual schools that have arts education programs that include two or more of the following components: teach music, art, theatre; providing imaginative learning environments; include parental involvement; promote learning about other cultures; and encourage community connections.

Central will receive its plaque March 20 at the Fine Arts Education Day in Jefferson City, MO. The Central Chamber Choir will perform, and Mr. Griffin and Darren Verbick, elementary fine arts coordinator, will accept the award.