Applying hours of practice and rehearsal to their considerable artistic talent, Killeen ISD’s top fine arts students are reaping the awards.
In celebration, Killeen ISD Fine Arts this week is conducting signing ceremonies at five high schools for 19 seniors moving on to college level fine arts programs.
On Monday, four Chaparral High School seniors sat at decorated tables on the auditorium stage with family members and teachers.
Assistant Fine Arts Director Morganne Davies read the considerable accomplishments of each, then their fine arts teachers testified to their hard work, and each moved to a table at centerstage to sign a letter.
Each of the fine arts signees provided written response about their experience in fine arts.
Kiana Allen-Moten is on her way to the Cleveland Institute of Art in Ohio to pursue a fine arts degree in drawing.
She won two gold medal ratings at the Visual Art Scholastic Event this year. In addition to her visual art skills, she is a part of the Chaparral High School choir.
Visual art teacher Jennifer Whitehead and choir director Gerald Nicholas praised her skills and her efforts.
“Kiana said that art helped her to expand her thinking and views. She was encouraged to explore different media and not just stick to one thing. This allowed her to perfect her drawing skills and to think in a bigger way about composition and self-expression.”
Edgar Diaz is moving on to the University of Houston to study music performance.
He is a two-year Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir member and completed the KISD Fire Academy.
Nicholas said the exceptional student labored mightily to be an “opera singing firefighter.”
“Mr. Nick and Mr. Bourg are some of the most passionate and hard-working directors and people I’ve seen. They’ve created an environment where the students push each other to improve as a musician and as a person.”
Celeste Clements is on her way to McLennan Community College to study theater. She has performed in numerous productions in Bobcat Drama and is president of the Thespian Troupe 1162, a “Gold Honor Troupe.”
Theater directors Chad Moore and Samantha Dunaway praised her skill and leadership.
“Theater is important to me because it gives me a place to learn and grow in a safe space. I know my theater family won’t judge me. I love laughing and making memories with (my troupe and cast peers).”
Kylie Spencer is on her way to Texas A&M University Corpus Christi to study acting and directing.
She has performed at Central Texas Theatre and in many roles in Bobcat Drama. She earned Honorable Mention All-Star Cast at the 5A Bi-District One Act Play Contest.
Spencer thanked her directors for “creating a safe space where students can learn self-acceptance and develop confidence in themselves.” She said they encourage students to try new skills and they instill a high level of expectations.
Out of 289 KISD seniors in fine arts who participated in a KISD survey, 56 percent have been accepted into a college or university and earned a combined scholarship total of almost $1 million, Davies said.
Fine arts programs at the college level require both academic excellence and an audition to display their talent, she said.
The Texas Cultural Trust reports that Texas students highly engaged in arts courses are 112 percent more likely to earn exceptional scores on standardized tests and 42 percent more likely to attend a four-year university.
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