Forsyth Central High School art teachers Kevin Whitley, Mary Jane Taylor, Veronica Martin, and Heather Hanline have been selected by the National Art Education Association as the 2008 National Art Honor Society sponsors of the year for the entire U.S. They won the Georgia state award in the fall of 2007 and were notified about the national award recently. They will receive the award at the National Art Education Association Convention in New Orleans in March.

According to Georgia Art Education Association President Kirby Meng, “This award recognizes a high level of professional accomplishment and service by dedicated art educators. Kevin, Heather, Mary Jane and Veronica exemplify the high quality of individuals involved in the field of art education today: leaders, teachers, students, and advocates who give their very best to the profession. We are proud to recognize the art teachers of Forsyth Central High School.”

In 1978, the National Art Education Association began the National Art Honor Society program specifically for high school students grades 10-12, for the purpose of inspiring and recognizing those students who have shown an outstanding ability in art. The NAHS also strives to aid members in working toward the attainment of their highest potential in art areas, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. For students to achieve high standards, art programs must maintain a substantive focus by choosing art content that includes complex problem-solving and higher order thinking skills, and serious alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development that results in student learning. There are currently over 2,826 NAHA chapters.

The purpose of NAEA NAHS Sponsor of the Year Award is to recognize the dedication of an NAEA member (or members) who sponsors an outstanding NAHS chapter. Each state association can nominate their local award winner for consideration of the national award. The nominated chapters must submit to the NAEA Awards Coordinator vitas of all club sponsors, two letters supporting their nomination, a one-page typed summary of NAHS activities, and a photograph of society members and sponsors. The national selection committee ranks all nominations received using a standard rubric and the chapter sponsor attaining the highest score receives the award.