The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Mac Newsom Endowment Grant for the Arts. Established in 2017 by Mac Newsom, a 1961 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, the endowment continues to provide meaningful opportunities that enrich student learning and creativity through the arts across RRGSD.
This year’s funded projects highlight creativity, collaboration, and innovative learning opportunities that engage students through visual arts, literacy, performance, and artistic expression.
Brooks Ard and the 4th grade team at Manning Elementary were awarded funds for the 4th Grade Pumpkin Project. This project combines literacy and art by encouraging students to read a book, write a report, and create a pumpkin representing a main character or topic. Student projects will be showcased during a family engagement event that promotes creativity, reading, and school-family connections.
Sydney Smith, English teacher at Roanoke Rapids Early College High School, received funds for her project, Page to Stage. This project brings dramatic literature to life by combining English Language Arts with visual arts and performance. Students in grades 9–12 will create costumes, props, and set pieces while strengthening creativity, collaboration, and communication skills through hands-on learning.
Janina Pericak, director of Place to Play was awarded funds for The Bee Healthy Mural Project. This collaborative student art initiative will transform the Belmont Elementary cafeteria with a colorful mural featuring healthy foods and bee-themed artwork. Students will participate in painting the mural while promoting creativity, school pride, and healthy living.
Shelley Rideout, art teacher at Chaloner Middle School, received funds for the continued improvement of the CMS Visual Art Show through the addition of new displays. The project will enhance Night of the Arts exhibits through mobile display panels and additional display materials, creating a more professional and visually appealing showcase for student artwork.
Christina Skinner, media coordinator at Chaloner Middle School, was awarded funds for revitalizing the CMS Art and Music Collection in the media center. This project will update library resources by adding contemporary art and music books designed specifically for middle school students, providing engaging materials that support creativity and student interest in the arts.
We extend our congratulations to all of this year’s recipients and thank them for their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. The district also expresses appreciation to the Roanoke Rapids Schools Foundation for helping continue Mac Newsom’s legacy of supporting and strengthening arts education in Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.