The speech prepared by Mrs. Sue Perry and Ms. Julia Berry in Support of the TSC Art Program. The speech was prepared for the Wednesday, Feb. 10 School Board Meeting at Harrison, but was not presented due to some unfortunate confusion.

1. Arts are not only fundamental to success in our demanding, highly
technical, fast moving world, but they are what make us most
human, most complete as people.
Over the years, TSC has developed this mission statement:
“TSC will strive to educate our students to reach their academic
potential in an environment that encourages confidence, competence
and a desire for learning.” Art, at all levels, fulfills these goals by
developing social skills, providing hands-on experience in a variety of
media and fostering cognitive growth at the highest levels.
The following statements are taken from T.S.C. alumni in support of
the arts:
• “Every single student deserves a chance to find that one thing
they are good at in life. Every student has the right to discover
their dreams and passions. Every student has the right to be
exposed to a wide range of activities and knowledge. By cutting
art and the music programs, you are further hurting your
students. I understand there are budget cuts and financial
debt; however, I believe there are solutions that do not involve
eliminating these programs all together.”
Reiss Lueken – TSC alumni
• “Art classes kept me in school. Art teachers taught me things
that I use in the real world. I can teach (my children) power
point and (hands on activities), I mean the possibilities are
endless and I did not learn these skills sitting in math. I might
not have had the best attitude at school, I might not have
always done my best work, but I couldn’t be where I am today
without every opportunity I had. My children and I don’t sit
around playing video games; we go to Hobby Lobby and find
interesting projects to work on together.”
Teia Hobson – TSC alumni

2. • “Please don’t deny my son (who will be a TSC student) the
opportunity to discover the art inside himself. I can already tell
that is his not going be an athlete – he is going to be an artist.
He is always reading, drawing, sculpting, singing, dancing…
and I have encouraged this with everything I have…(and have
learned from my arts teachers) I fear that he will lose his love
for the arts if it isn’t developed and made important in school.”
Keyla Corbin – TSC alumni
Arne Duncan is the U.S. Secretary of Education. He states “At this
time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and
program decisions for the upcoming school year, I write to bring
to your attention the important of the arts as a core academic
subject and part of a complete education for all students. The
Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) defines the arts as a core
subject, and the arts play a significant role in children’s
development and learning process…”
Standard based art education fosters several important traits in
our children’s development. It strengthens problem-solving and
critical thinking skills through art criticisms, adding to their overall
achievement and preparation for the world of work. Because art
is collaborative, it develops cooperative decision-making skills,
leadership, and clear communications that are useful when
working with others. In the art room we regularly integrate the
other core academic areas bringing those concepts to life.
From “Arts with the Brain in Mind” by Eric Jensen” the following
are the effects of a fully implemented art program. The evidence
points to the following:
1. Fewer dropouts
2. Higher attendance
3. Better team players
4. An increased love of learning
5. Greater student dignity
6. Enhanced creativity
7. A more prepared citizen for the workplace of tomorrow
8. Greater cultural awareness

3. We are fully aware that you have some tough decisions to make and
we are hoping that your past teachers have developed your own
creative problem solving skills. The choices you make now will affect
generations of T.S.C. students and we want you to think long term
when you try to repair a short term problem. Your time and
consideration in this matter is met with our heartfelt gratitude on
behalf of the visual arts teachers and their students.
Pablo Picasso said: “Every child is instinctively an artist. The
problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up”. Thank you.
Speech Prepared by Mrs. Sue Perry and Ms. Julia Berry