High Point Honor Society to induct new members

SUSSEX BOROUGH — “Three years ago I had a vision for the art students of High Point to excel in higher-level opportunities in the department, be proud of their accomplishments and have something worthy to show for it…”
Fine Art teacher Kelly Kuzicki is the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) Adviser at High Point High School. Previously having volunteered as the Art Club adviser since she began teaching at the school six years ago, Kuzicki proposed the idea of an art society last year.
“The administration graciously accepted my vision,” she said.
The society will induct its second group of members Wednesday, May 25, at 6 p.m., an event which will be followed by the department’s second annual spring art show. Eight area high schools will attend, as well as college representatives to hand out scholarships.
Kuzicki has taught a combination of creative mediums in classes like graphic design, contemporary crafts, ceramics, digital photography, and special education exploratory art class.
“I wear many hats here as an art teacher, tennis and basketball coach, volleyball club and art club adviser; for the past two years, I’ve been a proud Art Honor Society adviser,” she said.
On May 21, 2015, High Point inducted its first-ever class of 20 members into the new society chapter. This year, seven inductees are returning and there are 16 new members being inducted next week. According to Kuzicki, existing members created three stained glass murals to be donated to Bristol Glen Assisted Living in Newton, a community outreach project led by junior Caroline Kuhnle.
The society’s current officers include: President Taylor Hendrickson, Vice President Maggie Felker, Treasurer Alyssa Merwin and Secretary Sadie Grau.
The ceremony will kick off to Vivaldi’s “Spring” and a student explanation of the elements of art. Three candles representing primary colors — red, yellow and blue — will be lit: red, which symbolizes passion and love, evokes respect and power; yellow exemplifies wisdom, creativity and intellect; the color blue promotes joy and laughter, signifying loyalty and truth.
Roughly 120 pieces of artwork will be showcased during the art show from the following high schools: High Point, Kittatinny, Wallkill Valley, Montville, Delaware Valley (Pa.), Vernon Township, Mt. Olive, and Newton.
Representatives from Marywood University, Peter’s Valley School of Craft, Antonelli Institute, Arts Institute, MASS Art, Art Etc. in Hamburg, and the New Hampshire Institute of Art will judge the student artwork, hand out scholarships, offer summer workshop opportunities, and preview portfolios.
NAHS Vice President and senior Margaret Felker of Wantage has taken six different art classes over four years. An active member in the art department, Felker says she enjoys helping in any way she can, especially as Kuzicki’s teacher’s assistant.
“On Mondays, we do a project with the special education students that goes along with their curriculum,” Felker said. “With how close I’ve gotten with art teachers like Ms. Kuzicki, Ms. Hodgins and Ms. Meyers, I often spend my free time with them. I enjoy the positive atmosphere and amazing advice they provide.”
“I anticipate the event to be a beautiful evening applauding hard work,” Kuzicki said. “I look forward to celebrating the talents of all the young artists around us that deserve recognition for their abilities.”