Three Alcorn School District educators recently traveled to the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson to meet with members of the Mississippi Arts Commission and state legislators in support of arts education and community-based arts initiatives.
Amy Marsh of Kossuth High School, who leads the Aggies’ visual and performing arts programs, and John Mask of Alcorn Central High School, a multi-media arts teacher and director of the school’s Senior Sounds production, represented the district. Both educators are deeply involved in local arts organizations and community programming. They were joined by retired ASD educator and longtime arts advocate Twila Bridges as they discussed new opportunities to support arts education and promote education-forward, family-centered arts initiatives across the community.
During their visit, the group attended the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Capitol press conference, where speakers from across the state shared plans for strengthening connections between communities to enhance Mississippi’s arts scene.
Marsh, Mask, and Bridges also met with local Mississippi House of Representatives members Bubba Carpenter, Brad Maddox, and Tracy Arnold. The conversations focused on the importance of arts education, the need for sustained community support, and the role of adequate funding and strong leadership in ensuring student success and long-term community growth. The visit also included an opportunity to observe proceedings from the House Floor and briefly meet additional members of the state legislature to share their passion for local arts programs. Former Representative Nick Bain was also there and stopped for a moment to discuss some of these issues and make some additional introductions.
Alcorn School District appreciates the dedication of its arts educators and the many individuals who invest their time, talent, and passion into student art programs. The district is also grateful for the continued support of local officials as we work together to advance and strengthen arts education for our students and community.