ATraining Ground ForArtists (NAPSA)—Art classes have slowly but steadily all but disappeared from public schools over the years. Lack of funding hasbeen theculprit, but educators tend to agreethat the arts play a crucialrole in the academic andcreative development of our children. One public school in Greenville, South Carolina is embracing a different model andprovides a haven for young artists from across the state to discover, develop and hone their talents. The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities offers prepro- Youngartists can getthe education they need at a special public scho fessionaltraining to its students in the areas ofcreative writing, dance, drama, music, andvisualarts. As a public, resi- dential high schoolserving juniors and seniors,it helps studentsrefinetheirtal- ents in a master-apprentice community while receiving nationally recognized academic education. ‘The Governor's Schoolalso serves as a resource to all teachers andstudentsin South Carolina, offering comprehensive outreach programs designed to bring togetherartists, educators, community organizations, and schools. ‘The schoolis supported by its own foundation—The South Carolina Governor’s Schoolfor the Arts and Human- ities Foundation—by raising revenues to bridge the gap between funds pro- videdto the schoolthrough government appropriation andthe actualcost of the educational opportunities the school providestoits students. This extraordinary school recently captured the attention of Ovation TV, a cable and digital channel that is dedicated to the arts. Ovation and local cable provider Spectrum acknowledged the school’s contributions to the community and innovative approach to arts education andskills developmentwith a $10,000 award viaits Stand for the Arts arts advocacy initiative. SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities’ success provides a great lesson for com- munities across the country looking to support the arts and encouragethe creative developmentoftheir youth.
