Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation - State of the Arts Fall 2023

2023 MAGAZINE & FUNDRAISING SUMMARY

FIND OUT WHAT INSPIRES HFAA’S SUPERINTENDENT

BUILDING A LEGACY: HFAA’S CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

MEETING HFAA’S 2023 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

2022-2023 STUDENT PROFILE

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

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BUILDING A LEGACY

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WHAT HFAA MEANS TO US: A CONVERSATION

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HFAA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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SCHOLARSHIPS

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MEET THE SCHOLARS

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REVITALIZING HISTORY

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INSPIRING CHANGE

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IGNITE MASTER ARTIST SERIES

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LEADERSHIP IN ARTS & EDUCATION AWARDS

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HARDING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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DONOR HONOR ROLL

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CREDITS

2022-2023

SCHOOL PROFILE

TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT:

397 students

DEMOGRAPHICS:

33%

4%

28%

3%

20%

1%

WHITE STUDENTS

BLACK STUDENTS

HISPANIC STUDENTS

11%

ASIAN STUDENTS

MORE THAN ONE

PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENTS

NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

OVER $2.7 MILLION

in scholarships earned by 78 graduating students

15% of students in special education

TOP 10

schools in the state

20% of students are bilingual

100% of seniors graduated in 2023

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MESSAGE FROM THE

SUPERINTENDENT DEAR ALUMNI, DONORS, & FRIENDS, As we start another school year, I am excited to share some great news with you about the development and progress of our Academy over the past year. It has been a year of tremendous growth and success, and I could not be more proud of our community’s achievements.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, the Academy has seen impressive growth during this year’s student lottery, adding nearly 140 new students to our already vibrant and talented student body. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff who continue to deliver high-quality education to our students, especially Bronda Williams, our Recruitment and Community Outreach Coordinator.

I am inspired by the passion and dedication of our students.

Taylor C. Stanton

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SECONDLY, employee satisfaction, trust, and confidence have increased as evidenced by a teacher satisfaction survey and through one-onone retention interviews. Our teachers are the backbone of Harding Fine Arts Academy, and their well-being is crucial to ensuring that our students receive the best possible education.

We are committed to supporting our teachers in every way possible – emotionally, financially, and socially – and we are thrilled to see that our efforts are making a difference. To advance this goal we offered retention bonuses to all returning teachers and are diligently working to increase faculty and staff salaries across the board.

FINALLY, during this school year over $1 million has been invested in supplies, equipment, and curriculum development. These investments will enable us to provide our students and teachers with the tools and resources they need to excel in their academic pursuits and creative endeavors.

Our commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students is unwavering, and these investments are just one example of that commitment.

HFAA

90%

Staff Retension Rate

As we look forward to the future, I am inspired by the passion and dedication of our students, teachers, and community. Together, we will continue to build on our success and create a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity. Your contributions are truly making a difference in the lives of our students and our community.

State-Wide

76%

SINCERELY,

Retension Rate

Taylor C. Stanton SUPERINTENDENT OF HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY

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HARDING SCHOOL BUILDING (C. 1946) COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

BUILDING A LEGACY: Harding Fine Arts Academy Plans $30 Million Capital Campaign AT HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY,

we believe in nurturing creativity and empowering the next generation of artists and scholars. The Academy’s unwavering commitment to weaving the arts and humanities into everything it does, not only prepares students for college, but instills skills, behaviors, and temperaments necessary to be successful in life. Arts-integrated education provides a lifeenriching experience that promises a brighter future for every student regardless of background or socioeconomic status.

As we embark on an exciting new chapter in our school’s history, we are thrilled to share our plans for an ambitious $30 million capital campaign to preserve and renovate our historic school building and to provide our students with state-

of-the-art facilities that match their boundless talent and aspirations.

HFAA has always been committed to fostering an environment where students can explore their passions and develop their artistic skills.

Our dedication to excellence has propelled us to become a leading institution for arts education in Oklahoma and now, we are ready to take our commitment to the next level.

This capital campaign represents a bold vision for the future of Harding Fine Arts Academy. With a goal of $30 million, this campaign will enable us to transform our campus, revitalize existing facilities, and construct new spaces designed to inspire creativity and support our students’ artistic endeavors.

MODERNIZING EXISTING FACILITIES

ENHANCING & EXPANDING CURRICULUM

Our historic school building has served us well, but it requires substantial upgrades to meet the evolving needs of our students and faculty. The capital campaign will fund extensive renovations and enhancements, ensuring that our classrooms, performance venues, and studios provide the ideal environment for artistic exploration and growth. In addition to important infrastructure updates, we will also make the facility fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and install a geothermal HVAC system.

We offer a wide variety of visual and performing arts classes in addition to the traditional academic courses of math, science, english and social studies. With a newly renovated building, the Academy can increase the quality of existing programs and create new ones. We will renovate the existing 2D visual arts studio, dance studio, karate dojo, band, choir, piano and guitar rooms, academic classrooms, Special Education Resource Room, and Library. The renovation will take currently unusable space and create new opportunities through a 3D art studio, black box theater, STEM/Discovery Lab, music recording studio, video production studio, private practice rooms and a catering kitchen/ classroom for a future culinary arts or nutrition program.

“As President of the Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation, I am thrilled to witness the transformative power of this capital campaign.

Together, we are not only renovating a historic building, but also exponentially shaping the future of students through arts-integrated education. This project embodies our commitment to excellence, creativity, and community, and I am honored to stand alongside each supporter as we bring this vision to life.”

Joy Reed Belt, Board President, Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation

ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY

IMPACTING THE LIVES OF STUDENTS

We will ensure financial stability and longevity by becoming a trusted community anchor with high-quality facilities and programming for the public, increase student enrollment to 750 students, and build our existing endowment to $2 million.

We understand the profound impact that education can have on young minds. By investing in this renovation project, our generous donors will directly influence the lives of countless students and their families, providing them with the tools, resources, and spaces they need to unleash their full potential.

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BUILDING A LEGACY: THE SUCCESS OF THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN relies on the support and generosity of our community!

Together we can create an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters excellence, and propels our students to new heights.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite our alumni, donors, and community members to join us in building a legacy that will impact generations to come. Your support will not only shape the future of Harding Fine Arts Academy but also empower our students to pursue their dreams and make a lasting mark in the world.

There is a lot more information to come in the

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future as we continue planning this project!

Be sure you are subscribed to our monthly digital newsletter. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or would like to get involved, please contact the HFAA Foundation at (405) 702-6939.

WHAT HFAA MEANS TO US: A CONVERSATION

By: Alejandra “Rex” Barrios & Peyton “Dez” Lindauer We sat down with Rex and Dez to learn more about their experiences at HFAA Fine Arts Academy.

Hello! My name is Dez, and I am joined by my best friend, Rex, to tell you about what HFAA means to us. So, Rex, can you start by telling us your favorite memory you have at HFAA?

For me, Harding Fine Arts Academy has created many memories that will stick with me. And to be honest there are too many memories to pick from so it wouldn’t be fair to point out just one and call it a favorite. I think I’ll miss mornings in the art room with my friend Pamela, laughing until I cry in journalism with Nyarla, doing revisions with Ms. Heitland, my creative writing teacher - there are so many great memories with HFAA.

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I AGREE! For me, HFAA has helped me to hone my passions in film making and writing. Without this school, I don’t know what kind of person I would be, but I know I wouldn’t be half as creative or confident as I am right now. HFAA has been an important factor in how I grow as a person, and I can’t imagine my life without it.

Who would you say is your favorite teacher?

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MS. HEITLAND has to be one of the most

influential figures at HFAA for me. She was my freshman English teacher during quarantine, and it was her first-year teaching at HFAA. Despite the difficulties of online learning, Ms. Heitland always found a way to encourage and inspire me.

She gave me confidence in my writing and supported my outlandish debates. Of course, I have to mention Mrs. Messerly!

She was my AP English Language &

Composition teacher during my junior year. While the rumors about her hefty homework loads were definitely true, I would take this class over and over again if it meant I could grow as much as I did the first time. Mrs. Messerly pushed me to always do my best and work hard. She was always there to offer help and assistance whenever a student needed it. I’ve never had a teacher with such an effective teaching style and who cared so deeply for their students’ success.

Dez, you transferred to HFAA as a sophomore – what was that experience like?

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ALTHOUGH I WAS A TRANSFER STUDENT, I immediately felt welcomed by all the students and teachers. HFAA has always felt like a place where I belonged, and I have always been able to express myself freely without judgement. The students at this school always speak up for themselves and stand up for what is right, and I am happy to be part of an environment where this is encouraged.

Whenever the student body has had protests or walkouts, we’ve always had the support of the teachers and staff because they see us for who we are - the voice of the future. Our voices deserve to be heard, and HFAA ensures that we are heard loud and clear.

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IN THE FUTURE I aspire to be an author.

I want to publish my works and hope to inspire kids like me like the teachers at HFAA did for me. I like to think of HFAA as a workshop - it’s a place to work on yourself and to grow and improve. It’s a school where you’re bound to find someone like you with similar passions and interests. That sense of community has given me the opportunity to have faith in my future.

What about you, Dez? Anything to add?

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FOR SURE, REX! To me, HFAA is a community that inspires growth and creativity. I could have never become the writer or creative thinker that I am today without HFAA. It’s a place full of people who want to lift you up and see you become the best that you can be. It’s a place where dreams really do come true.

What are your plans for the future, Rex?

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES ALEJANDRA “REX” BARRIOS is in the graduating class of 2024 at Harding Fine Arts Academy. Rex is an aspiring author, avid music enjoyer, and love all kinds of visual arts. Rex enjoys being creative and has been described as hardworking and persistent. Rex has been at HFAA since freshman year, and has been involved with yearbook club and journalism.

Rex hopes to attend East Central University or University of Central Oklahoma after graduating.

PEYTON “DEZ” LINDAUER is in the

graduating class of 2024 at Harding Fine Arts Academy. Dez would like to pursue a career a in psychology and/ or writing and filmmaking. Dez loves to bring their thoughts and ideas onto paper and the screen. Dez hopes to attend either the University of Central Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University.

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PRINCIPAL WILLIAMS, MRS. ROTHROCK, AND ASST. PRINCIPAL LAKEY AT AWARD PRESENTATION

FRENCH 2 DESIGNED CITIES & GAVE TOURS

HFAA TEACHER OF THE YEAR NAOMI ROTHROCK, French teacher and Student Council Sponsor at HFAA was selected as HFAA Teacher of the Year by her fellow teachers for her dedication to the school and student success.

Naomi holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in French and began her teaching career at Florida State University teaching French I and II. She later moved to Oklahoma and began working at Harding, where she has been teaching French for 12 years.

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Naomi believes that the freedom to implement arts integration and focus on the A+ essentials framework is what sets HFAA apart from other schools. She believes having the freedom and flexibility to be creative keeps her and her students engaged and allows her to adapt to the unique needs of each class. Naomi’s teaching philosophy centers around building relationships with her students, allowing student voice and choice in the

NAOMI’S FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING: Allowing her students to be a part of the process of creating projects, as this helps to drive their interest and motivation.

FRENCH 3 WENT TO THE ZOO & CREATED DIORAMAS

classroom, and empowering them to feel like they are really acquiring language skills and not simply memorizing vocabulary.

One of Naomi’s most memorable moments teaching was the first time she got to teach the AP French curriculum. She was able to work with the same group of students for four years, and “it was exciting to see them progress from having no French language skills to being able to understand and communicate entirely in French.” Seeing her students light up when they finally understood the language is empowering for both Naomi and her students.

Naomi’s positive and engaging classroom environment is attributed to her attention to the physical space and environment in which her students spend most of their time. She believes that this critical aspect makes her classroom a positive and engaging place.

Naomi’s recognition as Teacher of the Year is well deserved, as her passion for teaching French and empowering young people. exemplifies the excellence of HFAA.

ALL FRENCH CLASSES LEARNED TO MAKE CREPES

Building relationships with students is really important to me. Getting to know what they’re interested in can help drive what I do in the classroom. Student voice and choice in the classroom is really important for inspiring good work. Allowing them to be part of that process is my favorite thing.

Naomi Rothrock

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GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Changing Lives & Empowering Futures EVERY YEAR, countless high school students across the country dream of attending college and pursuing their passions. However, for many, this dream is just out of reach due to financial constraints. College scholarships can help bridge the gap by providing opportunities for students to access higher education and achieve their goals.

This year, the 78 graduating seniors at Harding Fine Arts Academy earned over $2.7 million in college scholarships with some earning full-rides to their university of choice.

For many students, scholarships are the only way to afford college tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses associated with higher education. By reducing the financial burden, scholarships allow students to focus on their studies and make the most of their college experience.

In addition to the financial benefits, scholarships also provide students with a sense of validation and recognition for their hard work and achievements. This recognition can be especially meaningful for youth who have faced obstacles or adversity in their lives, showing them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed and that they have the potential to achieve great things. At HFAA, half of our students are from low-income families or receive free or reduced lunches, making this college scholarship program vital to many of our seniors.

Scholarships are becoming an increasingly important elements in attaining a college education, in fact according to Think Impact, in 2020, 58% of families relied on scholarships to fund a majority of their education. By enabling students’ to access higher education, scholarships open up a world of opportunities that may have been otherwise unavailable to them.

As we celebrate these students’ achievements, we also recognize the importance of scholarships in changing lives and empowering futures. We encourage our community to support and invest in scholarship programs that can make a real difference in the lives of students and their families. If you are interested in donating to our scholarship fund, please call the Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation at (405) 702-6939 or visit www.hfaafoundation.org/scholarships Together, we can create a brighter future for all!

MEET THE SCHOLARS: At Harding Fine Arts Academy, we are proud to announce that thanks to the efforts of the Harding Alumni Association, we were able to provide $1,000 college scholarships to four students for their academic pursuits: Maggie Calvo, Imani Carr, Noel Hillenbrand, and Darby Wallace. These scholarships are not just a financial award, but a lifechanging opportunity that will have a lasting impact on our students and their families.

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Alumna Maggie Calvo loves Jesus, drums and fellowship with her friends and family.

She is grateful for this scholarship because it brings new opportunities and allows her to pursue her passion for education and music. She is so thankful for this opportunity!

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Imani Carr is a now alumni of Harding Fine Arts Academy. She will be attending Fordham College Lincoln Center in Manhattan, New York this Fall and majoring in Theatre. During Imani’s time at HFAA, she was a part of Thespians, Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Volleyball, Advanced Speech, and Black Student Association. Imani graduated number one in her class with a 4.2857 GPA. This HFAA scholarship means a lot to her as it highlights the hard work she has put in to not only her academics, but to her school community.

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Noel earned this scholarship through four years of dedication to the Academy while participating in and leading different student clubs including Female Empowerment, Student Council, Youth and Government, Film Club, Spectrum, and more. Noel was also the vice president of HFAA’s National Honor Society. Noel plans on using this scholarship while at Oklahoma State University, working towards the goal of getting a job that will serve the community.

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Darby Wallace plans to attend the University of Oklahoma for meteorology in the fall of 2023. Receiving this scholarship has helped her grow more confident in her decisions for the future, and in figuring out who she is. It means so much to her that she can be considered an “ideal graduate” of Harding Fine Arts and to know that she has lived these last 4 years to the fullest.

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ARTWORK BY CHRIS MARCISZEWSKI

REVITALIZING HISTORY: Mike Mize’s Vision for Harding’s Renovation Project

Harding Fine Arts Academy deserves a facility that is representative of the high-quality of education that they are providing students.

Mike Mize

MIKE MIZE has just celebrated his one-year anniversary of joining the Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation Board and has quickly become as asset to the team by serving on the Building Renewal and Construction Committee.

Mike comes from a background in project management and strategic implementation in the construction and real estate industry and is lending his wealth of knowledge to the Board as the Foundation enters into the early phases of a largescale effort to modernize and renovate our historic school building.

Though Mike has shown enthusiasm and dedication to the Foundation’s shared mission, his first exposure to Harding Fine Arts Academy back in 2018 was under a different context. He was a part

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of the team at ADG that was commissioned by Oklahoma City Public Schools District to provide an analysis of the Harding School Building, eventually deeming it as too costly to renovate recommending that the property be sold.

Fast forward to four years later, he is leading the efforts to revitalize this historic building in hopes of making it a staple in the fine arts community for years to come. Mike commented on this experience saying, “It is kind of full-circle, because in the final analysis of that report we said that it would be extremely expensive…for Oklahoma City Public Schools to renovate that facility, but having seen what the administration and staff at Harding have been able to accomplish and the willingness of the board members and other people to

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support that effort makes it clear to me that it is a worthwhile effort.”

Mize is committed to helping grow HFAA to its fullest potential, emphasizing how he was drawn to the Academy for its arts-integrated curriculum, but also for school’s unique diversity, serving students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic situations. Mize is excited to lend his expertise to the Academy as we continue on this endeavor, citing that he hopes to act as a liaison between the architects, the contractors, and the Foundation. He urges anyone who is interested in volunteering to reach out and see how their skills can be utilized within the school, whether it be geared toward our revitalization campaign, or working directly with students on their chosen skill.

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INSPIRING CHANGE: Nok Thatvihane’s Dedication to Paying It Forward

NOK THATVIHANE, a graduate of Harding Fine Arts Academy’s class of 2009, currently serves on the School Board of Directors and is a Founding Board Member of the Harding Alumni Association where he currently serves as Treasurer. Nok speaks candidly about his time at Harding, stating that “I was not a very good student and had gone through five different high schools before ending up at Harding.”

After experiencing many adversities the average high school student wouldn’t face, including homelessness, Mrs. Peterson (one of his teachers at the time) helped him find stable housing, clothes, and other resources, and introduced him to a temporary employment agency, resulting in his first banking job at 17 years old. “And from there I fell in love with it! I owe all my knowledge and success to Harding.

It’s a place where the faculty actually care about the students, and I can’t stress that enough.”

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Nok’s fondest memory of his time at HFAA is of him playing in the orchestra program.

At the time, the program had only three students which allowed him to receive in-depth teaching and individualized attention. Nok was also a member of the basketball team. There he developed strong bonds with his teammates. Many of them are still friends today.

Nok believes that Harding’s arts-integrated curriculum has played an important role in his banking career by providing him with a wellrounded education that fostered creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are invaluable in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, where success often depends on adaptability and innovation. The arts are a powerful means of self-expression, allowing students like Nok to explore their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives in a safe and supportive environment. For Nok, this was particularly important, as it enabled him to find his voice and develop his unique vision. Ultimately, the arts-integrated education offered at HFAA not only prepared Nok for success academically but also equipped him with the skills and confidence to pursue a fulfilling career in banking. Since graduating, Nok has been slowly climbing the corporate banking ladder where he now works as Vice President and Treasury Management Officer at First Bank & Trust Co. Nok’s experiences at Harding Fine Arts Academy have had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. His struggles and challenges have helped shape him into the successful and compassionate person he is today, and he remains grateful for the faculty who cared enough to challenge him and make a difference in his life.

I try to be intentional about loving people every day, whether it’s through a kind word or a gesture, or just by being present and listening to them. It only takes one person to change a student’s life.

In retrospect, someone did that for me. It just took one person and look where I’m at now!

Nok Thatvihane

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IGNITE MASTER ARTIST SERIES: Fueling Creativity & Empowering Students AT HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY, we believe that art is not just a subject to be studied, but a way of life that can transform and inspire us all. That’s why we are proud to offer the Ignite Master Artist Series, a program that actively advances the arts by cultivating rich and transformative educational opportunities for our students and the community.

The Ignite Master Artist Series is more than just a guest speaker or workshop series. It is a program that brings master artists and industry professionals to our school to work closely with our students, providing them with a unique and immersive learning experiences that goes beyond the classroom. The artists have also shared their talents with the community through free evening performances.

This year, students had the opportunity to work with cast members of the national touring cast of Hadestown, Netflix screenwriters, internationally recognized musicians, computational metal artist, and notable Native American artists in painting, music composition, and dance. These master artists showcased their expertise, providing students with valuable insights to and hands on experience help them develop as artists and individuals.

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There are two primary benefits of the Ignite Master Artist Series - it allows students to learn from the best in their respective fields, providing them with a level of instruction and guidance that would be impossible to replicate in a traditional publicschool setting. It also exposes students to diverse perspectives and techniques, broadening their horizons and helping them develop their own unique artistic voices.

By offering unique opportunities for creative expression and exploration, artists who are part of the Ignite Master Artist Series foster a love of learning and a sense of self-discovery serves students well beyond their time at our school.

The Ignite Master Artist Series is a testament to the power of the arts to transform and inspire us all by bringing master artists together with our students, we are creating a community of creativity and passion that transcends borders and unites us in our shared love of the arts.

At Harding Fine Arts Academy, we are proud to offer the Ignite Master Artist Series, and we look forward to continuing to fuel creativity and empower our students for years to come.

Students in dance class with Jamari Johnson Williams, Worker from the touring cast of Hadestown

Nyla Watson, Fate from the touring cast of Hadestown, teaching a master class with students

Stan Carroll, computational designer and artist, teaching students fundamentals of metal art

LEADERSHIP IN ARTS & EDUCATION AWARDS

Jean Hendrickson, past honoree and former school board member enjoying the reception

ON MONDAY, MARCH 27TH, alumni and friends of Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation celebrated the 10th Anniversary Leadership in Arts & Education Awards, presented by Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum. Thanks to generous support from the community, we were able to raise over $70,000 for the Foundation’s general operations, which helps support the activities and programs of our award-winning public charter school.

The Leadership in Arts & Education Awards recognizes those who have made sustainable and inspiring contributions to the arts and education in Oklahoma. This year, we were thrilled to honor A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Jr. with the John & Joy

Reed Belt Award, Inasmuch Foundation with the Community Impact Award, Frank A. Keating with the Innovation in Education Award, Joe Williams 1963 graduate with the Outstanding Harding High School Alumni Award, and Luke Wittmann 2013 graduate with the Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni Award.

We are grateful to all those who attended the event, including our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

Sponsors of this year’s event included Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum, Cathy and Frank Keating, A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Jr., BancFirst, Jean and Walt Hendrickson, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Brooke and Mike Murphy, Weston and Russanne Solomon, and many more.

A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Jr. enjoying a video

Your commitment to the arts and education is what makes Harding Fine Arts Academy such a special place, and we could not do what we do without you. We are proud to be a part of a community that values the arts and education and are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate those who make a difference In Oklahoma.

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Karsten Hamilton, member of the student band Bird Brains, playing a guitar solo during the dinner.

Frank Keating, recipient of the Innovation in Education Award, giving his acceptance speech

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DEAR HARDING ALUMNI, I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I am pleased to share with you some of the exciting developments and achievements from the past year.

The Association has continued to grow and thrive, thanks in large part to the incredible support and enthusiasm of our members.

This year, we hosted several events, including a volleyball game, a basketball game, and a holiday party for students and alumni.

These events were wonderful opportunities for us to come together as a community, to reconnect with old friends, and to forge new relationships with current students.

I am particularly proud to report that during our holiday party, we were able to raise $3,000 for college scholarships to be given to Harding students and an anonymous donor agreed to match this dollar-for-dollar! These scholarships will make a significant difference in the lives of our students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and to achieve their full potential.

But our success this year is about more than just events and fundraising. It’s about the sense of community and connection that we have built, not just among our alumni, but also between our alumni and our current students. As an Association, we are committed to supporting the next generation of Harding graduates, and to helping them succeed in whatever endeavors they pursue.

In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the Harding Alumni Association. Your passion and dedication inspire us all, and it is a privilege to be a part of this remarkable community. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and in the world at large.

SINCERELY,

Aubrey Crook DONOR & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS The Harding Alumni Association was created for the purpose of fostering a spirit of loyalty and promoting the general welfare of Harding Fine Arts Academy through scholarships, mentorship, and special events. All graduates of Harding Jr. Sr. High School and Harding Fine Arts Academy are invited to become members.

ANNUAL MEMBERS Sally Bentley ‘64

Serenity Johnson ‘23

Darlynne Sosa Rojas ‘23

Margaret Calvo ‘23

Cross Orr ‘23

Trey Treat ‘22

Richard W. Curtis ‘64

DeVante Parker ‘11

Tommy Webb ‘23

Jonathan Guerrero ‘12

Jordan Pennon ‘11

Rita Kaye Wheatley ‘63

Terry James ‘23

Ruth E. Smith ‘67

Mia Yarbrough ‘23

Carol Wise Jankowsky ‘64

Dan Smith ‘64

COUPLE MEMBERS

DISTANCE MEMBERS

Charlie Givens ‘68 and Laurie Givens

Esther Devanney ‘12

Nok Thatvihane ‘09 and Danielle Ball

Jack Dodge ‘58 Annette Wagner ‘10

LIFETIME MEMBERS Dennis Adams ‘63

Linda Cartmill Evans ‘61

Steve Saul ‘61

Joe Don Andrews ‘59

Annabel Givens ‘61

Nancy Mansell Schanbacher ‘67

Steve Baker ‘64

Ceci Allen Gosting ‘64

John L. Scott ‘64

Joe Baker ‘64 and Linda Collins Baker ‘64

Lynette Elliott ‘63

Doug Claypool Shannon ‘67

Carolyn Hert ‘64

Antoinette Sonnenfeld ‘66

David High ‘68

Robert L. Sullivan ‘58

Tommy Hilborne ‘64

Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor ‘60

Charlene Hite Campbell ‘59

James S. Thompson, M.D. ‘61

Margaret Patzer Holdridge ‘63

Frank H. Titus ‘62

Brent Holmboe ‘68

Robert L. Tone ‘61

Ann Bacon May ‘60

Judy Ann Vossler ‘67

John McGuire ‘66

Charles J. Watts ‘64

Gene Melton ‘58

Robert R. Whitlow ‘67

Sally Morrison-Stringer ‘64

Sandra Baker Wilkins ‘61

Ann Little Brodie ‘58 Phyllis Owen Burchfield ‘58 Tracey Burdick ‘65 Jean Artman Campbell ‘63 Beverly Richards Carter ‘60 Kathryn M. Cisper ‘66 Chip Clark ‘62 Jennifer Coleman ‘68 Jacquelyn Anderson Croft ‘58 Linda Whitlow Dunn ‘63

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2022-2023

ANNUAL REPORT Annual Fund --------------------------------- $35,972.18 Capital/Physical Improvements ------ $121,250.00 Endowment Account ----------------------- $2,250.00 Gift-in-Kind ---------------------------------- $27,371.95 Harding Alumni Association ----------------- $885.00 Ignite Master Artist Series---------------- $15,550.00 Scholarships---------------------------------- $5,573.00 School Activity Fund------------------------ $3,400.00 Special Event Revenue-------------------- $56,592.83 Special Projects Fund----------------------- $2,750.00 TOTAL Fundraising------------------------ $271,594.96

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Average Donation: $1,028 Free Community Programs: 10 First Time Donors: 75 Number of Volunteers: 38

DONATIONS

BY STATE CALIFORNIA $220

OKLAHOMA $260,333

COLORADO

$534

OREGAN $357

IDAHO $103

TEXAS $775

LOUISIANA $126

WASHINGTON $46

MICHIGAN $125

WISCONSIN $26

NEBRASKA $1,000

VIRGINIA $40

NEVADA $35 NEW JERSEY

$35

NEW MEXICO

$6,300

NEW YORK

$75

NORTH CAROLINA

$1,103

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ND E I ER

NDENT

2022-2023

CI R

CL E

SU P

DONOR HONOR ROLL Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation

P

PAL CIRC N CI I LE R

Love Meyer Family Foundation Tres Jolie

CL

VA L

CTORIAN CI I R ED

E

S

ATORIAN CIRC T U LE AL

Richard & Glenna Tanenbaum Core Business Advisors, PLLC Cathy & Frank Keating Gene & Cheryl Melton Oklahoma City Community Foundation A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Jr. John Yoeckel

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SCHOLAR CIRCLE

FIREHAWK CIRCLE

Cynthia Archiniaco

Carol Blackwood Cheryl and Peter Borelli Marian Browne ‘69 Randy and Melinda Compton Lester and Camisa Cummings John and Nancy Greer Erica Hollis LifeShare Foundation Carol McPheeters Roy Moore Porter Morgan III Peyton Osborne ‘65 and Susie Osborne Sherry M. Rowan, Ph.D John and Mary Seward Jerilyn and Landon Whitsitt

BancFirst Gail Beals Joy Reed Belt, Ph.D, LPC Sally Bentley ‘64 Cindy Cochran ‘60 Teresa L. Cooper Doug G. Eason Jeanette and Rand Elliott Ken and Mary Ann Fergeson First Bank & Trust Co. Patrick T. Rooney & First National Bank of Oklahoma Joan Frates Susan and Jay Gabbard Charlie and Laurie Givens Grant Thornton LLP William and Pat Harris Harris Foundation, Inc. Jean and Walt Hendrickson Heritage Trust

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Leslie and Clifford Hudson Kenyon M. Morgan

Firehawk Promoters

Brooke and Mike Murphy Reign Capital Holdings Jill Rumbaugh Senior Helpers Russ Ann and Weston Solomon

Firehawk Advocate

Doug and Susie Stussi James S. Thompson, M.D. ‘61 United Mechanical Service, Inc. Visionary Oklahoma Women Renate and Chuck Wiggin

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TRIBUTE GIFTS

Tribute gifts are a wonderful way to honor or remember someone close to you while also supporting Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation.

IN HONOR OF Terry Wyatt in honor of Beverly West Jane Sutter in honor of the Whitsitt kids Patricia Newman in honor of Joy Reed Belt Dr. Bill Edgar Hood, Jr. in honor of Sally Bentley Roy Moore in honor of the Bergstrom kids

IN MEMORY OF Mrs. Margaret Holdridge in memory of Curtis James Holdridge II Ms. Linda Cartmill Evans in memory of Helen West, Latin Teacher in ‘50s and ‘60s Misty Bouse in memory of Judy Pope Haley ‘61 Sherry M. Rowan, Ph.D in memory of Kay Morgan Mr. H. Eugene Melton, Jr. in memory of Mr. Ted Clemens, Principal Mr. John Houston Greer, Jr. in memory of Steve Bentley Marjorie Hefner in memory of Wayne Epperson Mr. David Royce High in memory of Zazalle Gifford, Speech and Drama Teacher

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MAGAZINE STATE OF THE ARTS is produced annually for alumni and friends of Harding Fine Arts Academy.

OUR MISSION is to prepare students for college in an academically challenging, arts-integrated environment.

2022-2023 SCHOOL BOARD

Rosalynn Wade, President Kirsten Lindsay, Vice President Cheryl H. Borelli, Treasurer Camal Pennington, Secretary Jean Hendrickson, Past President Deanna Brandt Kanika Brown Alicia Currin-Moore Sunshine Dukes Susan Gabbard Nok Thatvihane ‘09

2022-2023 FOUNDATION BOARD Joy Reed Belt, Ph.D., LPC, President Sally Bentley ‘64, Vice President Randall Compton, CPA, Treasurer Megan Hornbeek Allen, Secretary Rod Baker Douglas Eason ‘68 Ken Fergeson Mike Mize Robert Spinks, Ed.D. Laurie Stansbury Jane Sutter

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3333 N Shartel Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73118

2023 MAGAZINE & FUNDRAISING SUMMARY