With the success of the Christmas Stroll and raising funds for the Elaine Courtnage Scholarship for the Arts or Nursing. It's a great time to look at the value of the arts and the continued development of the Art Program at Big Sandy High School. Besides the fact of course that the arts help teach creativity it might surprise you to learn it has been proven to improve academic performance. It also develops better motor skills and decision-making skills. While participating in the arts you must focus, learn perseverance and decision-making skills.

Jessica Jaramillo, Big Sandy Schools art teacher, says, she grew up in an artistic family, but she never felt she was an artist, like the rest of her family, until she discovered clay during high school. She always knew she wanted to teach art and believes everyone is creative. Jessica knows it builds confidence in students as students discover how to express themselves. Her greatest joy is teaching kids to discover who they are using the arts. She is excited to be building an extended art program. Currently participating are 70 Jr and SR high school students not including the grade school students. She is looking forward to building an Art Program that builds on each year's experience.

There was a great art show during the Christmas stroll held at the Mountaineer showcasing six-grade "eyes" and a variety of JR/SR art work. In future additions of the Mountaineer we'll discover together the incredible art work of the students of Big Sandy High.