Bearden High School is preparing for an important visit that could place the arts program as the best in Tennessee. As a part of the Arts Rich High School selection process, a representative from the Tennessee Arts Academy will visit campus to evaluate how deeply integrated the fine arts are in students’ lives and their academics.
“The Arts Rich High School visit is basically where a member comes and observes our school to determine how vast and how richly the arts are incorporated,” senior Alyssa Spradlin said.
The visit is one of the final steps in this competitive process, with Bearden already ranked among the top 10 in the state. If awarded the title, the impact could be significant.
“It could excel the arts programs in the future, getting us more funding, which means we can have bigger programs and go to more places and spread art,” Spradlin said.
She added that the recognition from this title would not only bring attention to the school, but also attract more students and preserve opportunities in the fine arts pathways.
Fine arts teachers echo the importance of the honor that would come with this title.
“We would get major recognition as the best fine arts department in a school in the state of Tennessee, so that’s a big deal,” art teacher Mrs. Vicki May said.
She noted that while additional funding is not guaranteed, the increased visibility could help to maintain and strengthen the support of the fine arts as district priorities change.
“Hopefully, that would mean continued support,” she said.
In preparation for this visit, both students and staff members have been working for months to showcase each part of the arts program.
Students have taken on major roles in getting ready for this visit. Spradlin has worked alongside classmates to repaint murals and organize art rooms, while senior Abby Swanson focused on improving the musical theater department’s costume space.
“We’ve been preparing every day…making lists of what needs to be organized,” Swanson said.
She also participated in a promotional video made for the visit, sharing how the arts program has shaped her future goals.
“It’s prepared me to do that professionally,” she said.
For many students, this visit is much more than just the recognition that comes with the title, it is viewed as a way to be able to protect their opportunities.
“With recent cuts, we will be losing a lot of funding, and this could really help us fight back to keep our funding,” Swanson said.
She emphasized that without a strong arts program, students could lose important creative outlets that help them to grow and express themselves.
This visit has also brought the different parts of the fine arts department closer together.
“It’s been really eye-opening,” May said. “We had to work together to divide and conquer for that end goal.”
She added that the collaboration highlighted both the strength of the program and the dedication of the students and teachers. Even reaching the finalist stage is an achievement in itself.
“We’re in the top 10, and it’s really cool,” Mrs. May said.
Still, anticipation remains high as the school awaits the final decision.
“This visit is just another step, so it’s not a done deal,” Spradlin said.
Whether Bearden ultimately earns the title or not, the process has already underscored the importance of the arts within the school community and why many believe it deserves to be recognized as the best in the state.