Superior students get a dose of creativity
<p>Geneva Plakke works on an art project for Frankie Kelly's art class.</p>
For former Superior student Alychia Scofield, Frankie Kelly’s art class was an escape – it was a safe haven of creativity in a world filled with standardized testing and structured lessons.
Scofield is not the only student to be impacted as they passed through Kelly’s class in the last 14-years and benefited from the creative escape that art offered.
“She inspired me so much and helped me stir up my own creativity,” Scofield said. “She’d always try to put her own creativity into it, like a little hint, to get your own creativity to spark.”
Scofield’s sentiment was echoed by Superior Principal Scott Kinney, who was recently the subject of a sixth grade art project.
“In a day and age where so much stress and pressure is placed on high stakes state exams and tests, it’s so nice to have a program that keeps kids grounded and using their imaginations,” Kinney said. “She appeals to the kids on so many levels using different mediums. We aren’t able to offer as much art as we would like so they don’t get as much experience but the experience they do get is phenomenal.”
The experience students are getting in the art program at Superior is evident to other members of the faculty as well.
“I am impressed with the amazing work she is doing with our kids of all ages,” Superior High School Instructor Darlene Jasper said. “The growth in the students work is undeniable. Because of her direction and talent the kids are truly learning.”
Kelly herself is humble about her impact on the students at Superior – quick to mention that “it’s the students” that make the projects seen throughout both campuses. However through her ever changing curriculum it is clear that she is inspiring students each and every day to utilize their creativity and imagination.
“It’s (the art program) beneficial because it allows the students to be hands on with problem solving,” Kelly said. “So many things these days are done for them and they don’t get to use their imagination but art makes them develop their creativity.”