PHX Reporter

The Arizona Department of Education recently honored high school graduates who have demonstrated exceptional skill in a specific field of study through its Seals program. Among the accolades is the prestigious Arts Proficiency Seal, awarded to students who have shown academic excellence in arts education and have completed an intensive set of extracurricular activities and a Capstone project.

To qualify for the Arts Proficiency Seal, students must complete four credits of qualifying arts courses while maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, thus demonstrating their consistent high academic performance. Additionally, they are required to participate in at least 80 hours of extracurricular activities in the arts fields. These activities provide them with practical experience, develop their creative thinking skills, and enhance their knowledge of art history and culture.

The Capstone project is a crucial component of the Arts Seal program. It serves as the final showcase of students' skills and achievements in the field of arts. This public exhibition of original artwork aims to demonstrate their ability to synthesize various artistic techniques and styles. The Capstone project also offers an excellent opportunity for students to present their work to a wider audience and receive feedback as well as recognition.

All five PVSchools high schools have students receiving this distinguished honor. The Arts Seal program has acknowledged high school student's academic excellence in art education and inspired them to explore their artistic talents, gain practical experience, and develop their creative skills. The program underscores that art education is a valuable and essential part of high school curricula, requiring hard work, discipline, and dedication from students.

PVSchools expressed pride in these 86 individuals as well as their instructors! The list includes students from various fields such as dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.