WOODBURY– Nonnewaug High School has a plethora of talented and eager students within the art program. This school offers high quality education that allows students to express themselves across many classes. Knowledge, skills, and experience are even provided beyond school hours through club activities and community services. Students are truly given plenty of opportunities to advance their creativity.
There exists plenty of different art avenues to pursue. At NHS, the art program consists of plenty of visual fine arts and digital classes.
The art program has greatly evolved over the years to strengthen education. At one point, there was only drawing, painting, and ceramics that consisted of two levels. Not having another level to these courses left students at a disadvantage.
“They would have nowhere to go in terms of growth,” said Leeza Desjardins, NHS’s longest art instructor who teaches a range of art courses from AP art to ceramics. “I came from a very strong high school art program. They would help build portfolios for students that might be interested in going into the art field or do art as a side hobby.”
The program has been developed to the point that students can automatically have a portfolio through taking classes which can help them get into other art programs or art schools more easily. Desjardins was one of the teachers who wanted to see improvement and make a more in depth art program.
Art not only helps people connect more with their feelings but also with others. NHS expands on this with its National Art Honor Society where a group of artists in Desjardins’ classes do services and events in the community relating to art.
“We learn the community’s values and how to be a part of the community,’’ said Sami Sorcher, co-president of the National Art Honor Society. “We provide many opportunities for people to put their art into art shows to earn money or scholarships too.”
NHS aims to see its students strive in any career or passion they want to pursue.
“Turn your passion into your profession,’’ said Desjardins. “Make sure whatever you get into, you love it.”
