Self-expression that transcends reason

Beverly Gaither Brooks
Published: March 4, 2008

My family and I have lived in Culpeper for 14 years. I am deeply saddened and find it incredible that we are addressing whether to fully fund the fine arts programs and advanced placement and technology courses in the Culpeper schools.

I cherish the impact that fine arts in the schools has made on my life. Contributions that I have made stem directly from my early exposure to fine arts in the schools.

My family could ill afford to enroll us in formal lessons; therefore, we relied on the school and church for this enrichment. Because of these experiences, I have had the privilege of sharing my talents. 

Our children have also taken opportunities in their schools to use their artistic talents and have benefitted greatly from the guidance of dedicated teachers. I marvel at how these experiences have enriched their lives, such as the camaraderie among cast members during "Fiddler on the Roof," or their joy when they sing in choir, or the pleasure of self-expression in drawing a card for the School Board to use as its official 2004 Christmas card, or the confidence that they have derived from playing various instruments and performing publicly.

They have also benefitted from the gifted program and from honors and advanced placement classes. Diligent participation in these programs will certainly enable them to compete more favorably for college entrance.

Several years ago I addressed the School Board supporting implementation of the strings program in the schools. At that time I said, "Don't we teach our children to 'finish what you start' and use the gifts that God has given you to the fullest of your capabilities-"

Are we sincerely teaching them these things if we do not fully fund the arts and academic programs-

I know there are other projects pending in Culpeper, but how can we, in good conscience, take away tools that we have given to our children in specialized areas which promote excellence-

Our children are our treasures and are literally the future of a healthy and prosperous Culpeper.

I challenge the School Board and the Board of Supervisors to demonstrate integrity, honor and leadership by finding full funding to allow current programs to continue succeeding at the highest level.

At a recent School Board meeting, someone said that it would be a "travesty" not to open the new schools next year.

I feel that it would be a travesty to deprive our children of these incredible artistic and academic opportunities, which serve to provide avenues for self-expression on levels that transcend reason.

Let us not merely exist in a desolate Culpeper devoid of the finest in arts and academics but flourish with an incomparable, state-of-the-art program in our schools.