National Arts in Education week is upon us.

Enacted by Congress in 2010, this week celebrates arts educators and promotes the importance of arts education.

This year especially, we need to give a standing ovation to our arts educators. They have valiantly taken the pandemic by the horns.

From Zoom classes to in-person, socially distanced lessons, the fine arts educators of Stanly County have ensured that the arts live on no matter the circumstances.

Arts education is more than just fun. According to Americans for the Arts, “students who take four years of arts and music classes score an average of over 150 points higher on the SAT than students who take only one-half year or less.”

The arts also boost creativity, which employers say they value in a candidate for employment.

For me personally, the arts were an important part of my educational life. Music classes taught me the significance of collaborating with a group, putting in extra work to make sure
performances are as polished as they can be, and creative problem solving.

These skills translate into the real world and have been invaluable to me in my banking career. Working in groups, problem solving and striving for excellence are tools I use every day.

I’d like to specifically give a shout-out to Frank Poolos and Aza Hudson. These two incredible educators made a lasting impression on me by instilling within me these values. I’m grateful that I get to
continue to make music with them through Stanly County Concert Band and Stanly County Chorale.

The great thing about the arts is they don’t stop once you leave high school thanks to wonderful community groups.

We would love to hear how arts education has impacted you. Tag Stanly County Arts Council on Facebook and @stanlyarts on Instagram. Use #BecauseOfArtsEd and #ArtsEdWeek to join the
national conversation.

And, of course, let your arts educators know how much you appreciate them.

Bradley Eudy
chairman
Stanly County Arts Council