Findlay Elementary students recognized for artistic talents

Students from Findlay Elementary School were recognized Thursday night during the monthly meeting of the White County School Board, as board members celebrated young artists whose talents are already making an impression both inside and outside the classroom. 

Findlay Principal Rebecca Ryan shared comments from teachers and highlighted each student’s accomplishments before board members presented the honorees with plaques. The recognition spanned visual arts, dance, and theatre, offering a wide range of creative achievement among the elementary school students. 

Joshua S. was praised for his artistic detail and creativity. His teacher, Ms. Megan, described him as a student with “a great eye for detail” whose illustrations often grow out of reading activities in class. In addition to his artistic ability, Joshua was recognized for being respectful and kind to both teachers and classmates. 

Serenity B. received multiple nominations from teachers. One educator described her as “extremely talented,” noting her ability to create detailed sketches of nearly anything. Her artwork, teachers said, carries emotion and draws viewers into the feeling of the piece. Serenity was also complimented for her strong work ethic in the classroom. 

Emma C. was recognized for her dedication to competitive dance. She has trained for four years and competed for three, studying ballet and performing in jazz and lyrical competitions as part of a local competitive team. Beyond dance, Emma balances athletics and academics, participating in basketball and softball while making sure her grades keep her on the Honor Roll. 

Carlie R. was also honored for her achievements in competitive dance. Dancing since the age of two, Carlie has trained in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz and lyrical. She has competed for four years in jazz and tap and attends classes five to six days a week all while excelling in the classroom as an Honor Roll student. 

Josie P. was celebrated for her involvement in theatre. For the past three years, she has participated in a local theatre company, attending acting and performing arts classes and camps. She made her stage debut last fall in The Wizard of Oz and is set to appear in Oklahoma! this summer. Josie is also on Findlay’s Honor Roll. 

Chance P. was recognized for his growing theatre résumé, which includes roles in Finding Nemo Jr., The Wizard of Oz, Michael Ruff Concert: This Is the Moment, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He is currently starring as Young Simba in The Lion King Jr. In addition to weekly dance and acting classes, Chance continues to excel academically as an Honor Roll student. 

Thursday night’s recognition served as a reminder that student success extends beyond test scores and classrooms.