2021-2022 Student Standouts

STUDENT STANDOUTS

These students were selected by their teachers because of their unwavering commitment to their artistic craft and academic studies.

LILA ALLMAN, 10TH

Lila is active in photography, volleyball, jazz band, and plays drums in the Academy’s cover band, The Birdbrains. She is a skilled and accomplished photographer. This year, she received an award from the Oklahoma Camera Club in a statewide competition in which she earned a perfect score for her photo! Lila also sold photographs at the Downtown Arts Festival in late April. Outside of school she enjoys playing volleyball, video games, and board games with her family as well as baking and crocheting.

Lila chose to attend Harding because of the broad variety of arts classes that are offered and because they are academically challenging and fun. Her favorite aspect of HFAA is the great community, fabulous teaches and friendships she has created. “It makes for a great day of school each time I come!” she said.

CAYDEN BALL, 11TH

Cayden, is involved with many organizations and activities. He plays varsity basketball, is the captain of the speech and debate team, is a member of National Thespians Society, performs jujitsu, and takes guitar classes. Last fall, Cayden performed as the titular character in HFAA Drama Department’s production of Bram Stroker’s Dracula.

When asked what or who inspires him, Cayden said, “Inside my personal life, my mom is a big inspiration to me. She’s a single mother and has always done everything and more than I could ever ask. Outside of my home, I would say that all the people in the student organizations that I’m part of at Harding, especially the faculty who oversee them, are people I respect and always learn from.” His favorite artistic discipline is theater because it allows him to express himself in different ways.

“Harding Fine Arts has given me a lot of opportunity. It’s helped me growin my passion for so many artistic and athletic disciplines," he said.

JAKAYLA DAVIES, 11TH

Jakayla is involved with National Honor Society, and her favorite artistic disciplines are visual arts and photography. Her preferred style of art is drawing and sketching using pencil and charcoal. In her opinion, sketching and drawing are the foundations for all artistic avenues so she wanted to master them. She is most inspired by the artists she sees on social media who spend their lives honing their craft. “Seeing their success helps me to get better at what I do,” she said. Jakayla also enjoys representing her family in the art realm because they have seen a lot of success in other fields such as nursing and forensic science. “I want to be the artist in our family."

Jakayla chose to attend Harding Fine Arts Academy because she wanted to attend an arts-based high school. She is also a legacy student – her mother went to Harding Middle School when she was a student! She loves Harding because the teachers have pushed her to become more creative and master her abilities.

“I believe that having a diploma from Harding Fine Arts Academy willhelp me get into a great art program in college, and will also give me theskills to succeed when I get there.”

KARSTEN HAMILTON, 10TH

Karsten is involved with guitar, piano, and graphic design at Harding. He is most inspired by famous guitarist Eddie Van Halen. “I love Eddie because he’s such an innovative guitar player . . . he never plays by the rules and isn’t afraid to explore new types of music,” said Karsten. In addition to music, he also enjoys drawing and graphic design.

Karsten decided to attend Harding Fine Arts Academy to participate in the strong music and guitar program. “I knew the guitar program here was really good and could give me something that other schools couldn’t,” he said. He chose to stay because of the tight-knit community and family-like campus culture that exists at Harding.

“It’s so accepting and welcoming, and everyone here allows people to be themselves. I love all of my teachers too. They push us to do our best while also understanding and giving us grace when we need it. Harding Fine Arts is a fun place to be!”

LYU’SHANA LACOUR, 12TH

Lyu’Shana chose to attend Harding Fine Arts Academy because of the exceptional and challenging dance program. She continued her educational journey at Harding because of the stability and community the school provides. “I’ve gotten close with the teachers. People know me as someone who strives for the best in all areas of life . . . HFAA has left an strong impression on me," she said.

In her free time, Lyu’Shana enjoys working and saving money for her shoe collection and purchases that will advance her future. After graduation, she will attend Rose State College, where she has earned several scholarships, and pursue a career in medicine.

JD RODGERS, 10TH

JD is a highly engaged and successful student as well as an artist. JD is involved with contest choir, drama, guitar, and the International Thespian Society. This year, JD qualified for COCDA All-Region Honor Choir and performed with the choir at their concert in November at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Midwest City.

He is inspired by his grandmother, Dana Orwig, who is also a musician. Like JD, she sings and plays guitar. “[She is] just a really great artist. I really look up to her,” he said. JD’s favorite artistic discipline is musical theater because he likes performing for people, and he enjoys the challenge of telling a story through music and acting. He originally wanted to attended Harding because his mother was a staff member, and his brother was also a student. But quickly after starting school, he became immersed in the campus culture and invested in his singing and performing.

SAM SKINNER-NOBLE, 12TH

Sam is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, and an Eagle Scout. He originally chose to attend Harding for its award-winning photography program, but soon discovered his true passion in music. In his free time, you can find him volunteering for El Sistema Oklahoma, a local arts-education nonprofit. He is also highly involved in orchestra and jazz band where he plays saxophone and clarinet.

“My favorite artistic discipline is definitely instrumental music,” said Sam. “It’s something I started when I was young, and I really grew to enjoy it because it challenges me.” Sam’s music is inspired by many people, but specifically his parents, former music teachers, and Fleetwood Mac.

After graduation, Sam has decided to follow in the footsteps of thenumerous teachers who inspired him. He plans to study music educationin college and become a middle or high school band director.