Pictured left to right: Kyle Smith, Evan Kret, Ayanna Jenkins, Kerry Stevens, Taylor Lucas, Audrey Blessing, and Desmond Fernandez.
On Friday afternoon, May 19, Westerville South High School hosted its first Fine Arts Signing Day. Students who have been given scholarship dollars to pursue careers in the fine, performing, visual, technical and digital arts gathered together to announce their destinations and pledge their intent to further their education.
Student athletes signing Letters of Intent are a longstanding tradition in high schools throughout the country. After years of hard work and dedication to their craft, the signing ceremony marks a rite of passage before they advance their careers to the next level at colleges or universities.
Arts Signing Day is similar – a chance to celebrate those who are choosing to start a life for themselves in the arts or arts-related fields. Senior Desmond Fernandez came up with the idea, and South Athletic Director Buck Weaver and South Theatre Director Matt Wolfe got the wheels in motion. Their hope is that this becomes a tradition embraced by all high schools. “Schools should support and celebrate all students who further their passions in life beyond high school,” said Wolfe. “We are very appreciative of the administrative and teaching faculty at South for their support of this wonderful day.”
Pupils signing at the inaugural event were:
- Evan Kret, BFA Acting, Otterbein University;
- Audrey Blessing, BA theatre, Otterbein University;
- Desmond Fernandez, BFA Acting, Otterbein University;
- Taylor Lucas, Arts, Innovation & Design, The Ohio State University;
- Ayanna Jenkins, Digital Media & Design, University of Kentucky;
- Kyle Smith, Technical and Interior Design, Columbus State Community College; and
- Kerry Stevens, BFA film and TV, DePaul University.