1. As a teacher for 38 years, I have found that teaching is done by only those who love what they
do. I, as an educator and avid theatre fan, have found my niche in this world when I am
surrounded by the inside of a Theatre and by those who enjoy exploring this Art form. I am
excited that schools have decided to enhance the Theatre Arts Program and all other Arts
programs. It is a known fact that giving a student the ability to use artistic expression will
improve a student’s mind, giving him the intellectual capability to grow in this more global world
in which we live.
For the 38 years I have been in teaching, I have had the pleasure to work in drama, musical
theatre, and dance. As a new teacher, taking over an established program made me nervous
with feelings of inadequacy, but because of my youth, I was willing to take the challenge. I have
gained so much knowledge in my experiential learning through these years. For many years
after the daily teaching, afternoons were spent teaching dance to the Dance Team for Friday
night football, and evenings, theatre was produced. I was given the chance to work in the Arts
and find the joy that has inspired me to keep motivated to produce theatre with many
wonderful students.
Presently, I am the retired Fine Arts Director of the David J. Zuver Performing Arts Center at
Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, GA. I well remember the years of the gym-cafetorium;
even though the space was less than desirable, the art form created was still of highest quality.
The home-made light board gave me the desire to work the ETC lighting equipment I now have.
I have found myself a bit spoiled with the equipment I now have been given the chance to learn,
but the learning never stops in this world with the digital capabilities a theatre can now possess.
In this position of Fine Arts Director, I have been able to venture from the walls of my theatre to
the classrooms of the Art and Photography teacher, Chorus teacher (with whom I work very
close), and the Band Director. It has given me insight into how the Arts are so much an integral
part of the human spirit. A good Artist is here to express the joy of his craft.