Many schools today no longer value creativity and the fine arts. English classes are one of the few core classes where students can express themselves through writing. Even then, most of the time students are required to answer a specific prompt and follow a rubric. Some students are even marked down grades because their creativity overrides the formality of how the teacher wants them to write.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” This quote from the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society” exemplifies how yes, there are “noble pursuits necessary to sustain life,” such as law, business and engineering. But there also needs to be creativity and passion. And as famous poet Walt Whitman said, “You are here—that life exists and identity, that the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” So, what will your verse be?
Many schools are cutting out fine arts programs to save money because they do not value them as much as stem programs. The fine arts are essential to many students lives and future success.
“Fine arts should remain in schools all over the world because being in theater, choir, dance or band allows us young adults to show ourselves through many forms of expression. Without it, so many students wouldn’t know what to do with themselves and all of their talents,” said Antioch Community High School junior Abby Shepherd.

In classes such as math and social studies, artistic students cannot truly express themselves. In order to graduate, students at ACHS only need a half credit of fine arts to graduate, while they need four English, three math, three science and many others. This does not allow students who favor the fine arts programs to learn about what they are really interested in and wish to pursue a career in. Eighty-three percent of just elementary schools still have visual arts programs, while only four percent still have drama programs.
“Having a fine arts program in each school would allow students to come together and have that one thing in common with people who love doing the same things. Which is always a beautiful thing to see,” said Shepherd. There are the athletes who have their sports to look forward to, and the book-smart students who look forward to their math, social studies and science classes, while artistic students look forward to either band, choir, drama, art classes, dance practice, etc. If schools were to get rid of fine arts programs, those artistic students would have nothing to look forward to, no motivation to come to school and could possibly burn out.
“The arts should remain in schools because, for some students, music or theater might be the one thing that makes them truly happy, just like how football might be the one thing someone is happy doing, and taking that away from anyone is not something that anybody has the right to do,” said junior Riley Beckett. “Besides, studies have shown that students involved in the arts perform better in school and get accepted into colleges more easily.”
Fine arts programs allow students to express themselves in ways that they cannot in other core classes. Many students involved in our fine arts programs participate in more than just one, such as Shepherd who is in A Capella, Madrigals, Jazz and theater.
Shepherd said, “My favorite part about theater is that it’s a place for not just myself, but for anyone who comes into it to be themselves and be different. And the thing I love about choir is that I get to sing all of the time, which is what I love to do, and everyone in the program shares that same feeling, and we come together to create beautiful sounds.”

So far, Shepherd has performed in every theater performance at the school since she was a freshman. While there are many students who find their love for the fine arts in high school, some have known their love for the arts since they were in elementary school. Shepherd has been doing musical theater since she was in third grade and has been in many performances since.

“I wish to pursue a career in musical theater or maybe just acting for television. Of course I’d want to minor in something other than this just in case, but I do not see myself doing anything else with my future,” said Shepherd.
Along with Shepherd, Beckett has been greatly involved in our schools fine arts programs. Beckett has been involved in choir and theater for three years, with two years on the speech team, and plans on pursuing a career in the arts as well.
“My favorite part of being involved in the arts is taking something off of the page and turning it into an entertaining piece, whether it be my choral music or a play or musical,” said Beckett. “The arts are important to me because being involved in music and theater is the one thing I’ve found joy in doing and automatically ‘clicked’ with.”

Many fine art driven students would be lost without those classes. It is a place where they can be themselves and do what they love.
“The fine arts are important to me because it’s what I believe I’m good at. Without the fine arts, I don’t believe that I’d be the person I am today. They have allowed me to open up and show who I really am, as well as let me do the things I love,” said Shepherd. “The stage is where I belong. Show business is the only business I’m good at.”
Luckily at ACHS fine arts programs have not been cut.
“I’m proud to call myself a fine arts child,” said Shepherd. “There’s no other place I’d rather be, and a lot of other students can agree with me on that.”