Seminole is home to a wide variety of students satisfied by a wide variety of classes. Students have the opportunity to take courses in the arts and to become members of Art Club and National Art Honor Society, all of which provide a venue for realizing creativity and self-expression in a stress-free environment.
Fine arts classes at Seminole include 2D and 3D art, drawing and painting, and visual technology. There are multiple levels of each class such as honors or Advanced Placement. Unlike other schools, Seminole’s classes cover a wide variety of media, or materials, exposing the student to many different processes.
“The courses are more encompassing and cover a broader area, giving a well-rounded class,” said 3D art teacher, Ms. Veronica Sarmiento.
Ms. Kathleen Golnik is new at Seminole but has 12 years of experience teaching art. She now teaches 2D and 3D art.
“Getting to watch kids gain self-confidence in their art, and getting a note from a student at the end of the year saying that I’ve helped them become an artist makes it all worth it,” said Ms. Golnik.
To graduate from Seminole High School, students need one credit of fine arts. “It helps [the students] to realize how creative they are. Some students do not understand that they can be creative. It’s an important trait to have,” said Mr. Phi Yoba. Mr. Yoba currently teaches the honors and AP levels of 2D art.
“It’s important to take a class where you aren’t being evaluated with right or wrong. Students get to be creative and think outside the box, unlike in math, for example,” said Ms. Golnik.
“[Art] provides the opportunity for self-expression. It develops students’ independence and gives them the chance to collaborate. It’s been said that taking art improves academic achievement in other classes,” said visual technology and 3D art teacher, Ms. Jennifer Vigilante.
Students take art to graduate, but also to express themselves in a stress-free environment.
“Art classes allow me to visually express my style and it’s a great opportunity for me to be creative,” said freshman Sabrina Chowdhury.
“Art is important to me because it’s all about being yourself. You’re not supposed to understand it. It’s not supposed to look nice, it’s supposed to make you feel something,” said sophomore Ocean Walker.
Besides taking classes, students interested are encouraged to participate in one or both of the fine arts clubs.
Art Club is sponsored by Ms. Vigilante and Ms. Sarmiento. The club’s purpose is to spread art awareness around campus to those who do not take art classes, and it gives art enthusiasts the opportunity to participate in after-school activities. “I joined Art Club so I can express my talents and be able to do what I love. I like being together with fellow artists who love doing what I love too!” said freshman Renee Sang.
National Art Honor Society is an organization that focuses on bringing art to the community through service projects. Currently, Art Club is working on birthday cards for the faculty, and plans to create chalk drawings at this year’s annual book giveaway.
“[NAHS] is for students who are dedicated to the arts and excel academically,” said Mr. Yoba.
Interested students can request to take art when it is time to pick classes, and get further involved after school in the 2014-2015 school year. Those with questions or those who need further information about class choices can ask any art teacher or counselor with help with choosing the right course for them.