CFA Director Welcome Message

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is with great pride, pleasure, and enthusiasm that I welcome our new and returning Center for the Arts students and families. On behalf of the CFA faculty and staff, we look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead. As always, we remain dedicated to our mission of fostering artistic success, showcased through our CFA performances and Visual Arts galleries, while also supporting and encouraging strong academic achievement. Our program continues to cultivate both artistic and academic excellence in every student.

We are equally delighted to welcome our CFA teachers back for the new school year. Over the summer, our faculty performed, attended conferences and workshops, wrote grants, traveled, and expanded their own artistic and professional skills. Their commitment to growth ensures that they can challenge and support students in their pursuit of excellence in the visual and performing arts. We look forward to continuing these traditions and providing as many meaningful opportunities as possible.

As we consider our goals for the coming year, three priorities stand out. First, we will continue to emphasize artistic and academic excellence for all CFA students. To support this, we are challenging students to meet and maintain the academic expectations necessary for success in the program. Second, we are expanding opportunities through new and enhanced course offerings, including our newest class—Dual Enrollment Art History, taught by Mrs. Dowdy. Finally, we are strengthening community involvement and awareness with the support of our faculty, staff, students, and our Friends of the Center for the Arts (FCFA).

As I begin my eighteenth year as Director of the CFA program, I remain humbled by the extraordinary talents of our students and by the personal challenges many of you overcome. Your persistence, perseverance, and passion enable you to rise above obstacles and achieve greatness. Never lose sight of your strong work ethic, academic discipline, cooperative spirit, and sense of self—qualities essential to your success both in the CFA program and beyond. Remember that you have earned your place in the CFA community; it is now your responsibility to embrace these expectations and commit fully to these principles. Your artistic gifts will flourish when nurtured by dedication and hard work.

Best wishes for a productive and creative year!

Stephanie Poxon, Ph.D.
Director, Center for the Arts