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What Will Clinton’s Story Be?

As a parent of four children in the Clinton school system and active member of the “Friends of” groups and PTA, I’m well aware of the incredible arts instruction happening in our district. Some outside the school system may not be as aware, or sadly may view art and music instruction as superfluous or even unnecessary.

For the last few years I’ve been the PTA Reflections Art competition chairperson. This is a National PTA competition. Students at The Morgan School and Jared Eliot Middle School were encouraged to submit their artistic interpretation of the theme in any of the six disciplines: visual art, photography, literature, musical composition, dance choreography, and film production. The theme was “Let your imagination fly…” Local first place winners in each category were submitted in January to the state competition. Clinton had four winners at the state level. Morgan student Stephanie Smallshaw won first place in the Film Production category; she’s moving on to the National PTA competition. Morgan student Victoria Barron placed in the Visual Arts category, Eliot student Kerryanne Longyear placed in the Literature category, and Eliot student Sarah Auletta placed in the Photography category.

Clearly, Clinton’s potential is great! Clinton teachers cultivate these talents, understanding the invaluable self-esteem such endeavors foster. The 2016-2017 theme is “What is your story?” What will Clinton’s story be? We continue to cut our budget, thus needing to slash the important programs the budget funds in our schools. Cut those very programs that allow each student to find their passion and expertise?

Cultivating a well-rounded student of the world begins here. It begins with supporting art and music programs. I encourage your readers to stand with me on May 11 and support the budget that allows Clinton as a community to have a brilliant story.

Shelby Auletta

Clinton