By Peyton Erickson –
On Thursday, September 17th, Lincoln High School was announced to be one of two schools to win this year’s Nebraskans for the Arts award. “I think Lincoln High is well deserving of this award and shows the importance we place among the arts in our school,” states Justin Holbein, Lincoln High’s theater director and oral communications teacher. Lincoln High received the award on Wednesday, October 21st.
The Nebraskans for the Arts award, also known as the NebraskARTS award, is given to honor a school who supports achievements in the arts. The arts can include such things as theater, dance, music, and visual or media arts.
To be nominated, Lincoln High had to be nominated by at least one Nebraskans for the Arts member. As of September 18th, the individual who nominated Lincoln High remains to be unknown. In addition, we had to provide letters of recommendation from a Lincoln Public Schools school board member, Steve Joel, the superintendent, the principal, Mark Larson, a Lincoln High teacher, a community member, and a student. Lincoln High also had to submit documents supporting what our programs do, and what awards and educational opportunities we have already won.
The award is an amazing achievement for Lincoln High. “I believe it (the NebraskARTS award) is a great example of the tremendous educational opportunities available at Lincoln High School. To have the arts at Lincoln High be recognized in such a way shows how truly important arts programs are to a well rounded educational experience… This award truly represents what Lincoln High stands for.” Holbein states.
When asked how students were involved in the process of winning the award, Holbein replies, “The students are the process. They’re the ones that create what we get to do. All of the examples are student driven. Whether it’s art or theater. And not just from this year, but the history of the program. That is truly what’s being awarded.”
‘Si Bheag Si Mhor’ at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on October 21st, 2015.
