“The arts are alive at Norfolk High School!” was what Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, told the audience as she accepted the 2018 NebraskARTS award on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. The award ceremony was held in the Johnny Carson Theater at Norfolk High School and was attended by hundreds of students, school staff, and community members.
The NebraskARTS award is presented by the Nebraskans for the Arts, an arts advocacy organization. The award is given annually and recognizes two schools that make a notable and worthwhile contribution to the arts and art education in the state of Nebraska.
Prior to the ceremony, student artists displayed in the Johnny Carson Theater lobby some examples of their work. In addition to the presentation of the award, the audience was treated to performances by the NHS marching band, orchestra, choir, Pink Panthers Dance Team, speech team, and the NHS one-act team during the ceremony.
Mrs. Taryn Retzlaff, NHS Theater Director told us, “We have so many talented students at Norfolk High School! As the NHS Theater Director I get the opportunity to work with students every day and to help them pursue their passions. I might get to encourage a student that blossoms in the spotlight of center stage, or the student that finds a hidden talent working in theatrical makeup behind the scenes, but both examples bring me great joy. I am proud to be a member of the Norfolk High School arts community and I am so very honored that we are being recognized as the 2018 NebraskARTs award recipient.”
The afternoon was a showcase of the talent of Norfolk High School students and staff. The perfect backdrop for recognizing this outstanding award.
