Mercy & Justice Conference
Join Harding Fine Arts Academy for the Mercy & Justice Conference from February 22-25. During the conference, participants will explore criminal and social justice reform in Oklahoma through art, film and literature, and engage in positive, public discussion from diverse voices and perspectives.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services, all conference events are free and open to the public. HFA was only one of five awardees in the state of Oklahoma and only one of two in the Oklahoma City area.
Additionally, this program will battle the effects of social isolation due to COVID-19 and promote community-wide healing by creating a safe and encouraging environment that brings disenfranchised communities back together through positive discourse.

“I am so proud that Harding Fine Arts Academy was one of only two recipients of this prestigious grant in the Oklahoma City area,” said Jean Hendrickson, HFAA School Board President. “This will allow us to creatively combat the losses from COVID-19 while we are teaching and connecting throughout the community. Well done, Firehawks!”

All conference events were inspired by the bestselling book, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Students are reading the book in their classes and will explore the topic of criminal and social justice using the arts.

Community members are welcome to participate in HFA’s book club leading up to the conference every Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 pm. There is a limited supply of free copies available – please call Mr. Campbell at (405) 702-4322 to pick on up.
Schedule of Events:
Tuesday February 22
6:00-8:30 p.m. | Trial (1955) Film Screening
 
Thursday, February 24
 
Thursday, February 24
6:00-8:00 p.m. | Community Discussion Panel

Moderated by Judge Kenneth M. Stoner, District Judge of Oklahoma County

Panelists include:
Damon Britton, Diversion Hub, Executive Director
Wayland Cubit, Lieutenant, Oklahoma City Police Department
Kaushiki Chowdhury, Still She Rises, Criminal Defense Practice Leader
Rep. Mauree Turner, Oklahoma House of Representatives, House District 88
 
Friday, February 25
10:45-11:30 a.m. | Black Student Association Performance & Exhibition
Artists of the Month
At Harding Fine Arts Academy, Cayden Ball, Junior, is involved many organizations and activities. He plays varsity basketball, is the captain of the speech and debate team, is a member of National Thespians Society, does jujitsu, and takes guitar classes. Most recently, Cayden performed as the titular character in HFAA Drama Department’s production of Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Cayden says his favorite artistic discipline is theater because him to express himself in different ways.

Cayden’s hobbies include staying active and exercising. “I’m always trying to be in as good shape as possible and strive to better myself in any way that I can.”
 
When asked what or who inspires him, Cayden says, “Inside my personal life, my mom is a big inspiration to me. She’s a single mother and has always done everything and more that I could ever ask. Outside of my home, I would say that all the people in the organizations that I’m in, especially the people who oversee them, are people I respect and always learn from.”
 
Cayden originally chose to attend the Academy because he knew he wanted to go to one of the Harding schools. “I had some friends who went here, but it was my appreciation for the arts that led me to attend HFAA.” When asked why he’s stayed, he says, “Harding Fine Arts has given me a lot of opportunity. It’s helped me grow in my passion for so many artistic and athletic disciplines. Simply put, I’ve been able to grow so much just by being here.”
Magic 104.1 Teacher of the Month
Last month, Mr. Rhodes was selected as American Fidelity and Today’s Magic 104.1 Teacher of the Month. Mr. Rhodes was nominated by Cara Gonzales, parent of a current student at Harding Fine Arts. Here is what she had to say about Mr. Rhodes.
 
“Mr. Rhodes takes a personal interest in trying to make history interesting and relevant to his high school students. His approach to teaching includes making his students feel heard and understood, as well as supplying them with the tools they need to be successful both academically and in life. He allows his students to be individuals and strive to be the best they can be. His dad jokes and style of relating to students make him not only a great teacher but an awesome role model to the students who are blessed to be a part of his classes. He communicates well with the students and with the parents, making it easier for families to thrive and help their students. He deserves this honor and award!” – Cara Gonzales, Parent
Generation Citizen - Creating OKC's Future Community Leaders
Each fall semester, senior government students participate in grassroots community change in partnership with Generation Citizen, a local nonprofit organization. Students learn, research, and organize around a significant issue they find in the community. This year, our classes worked on projects dealing with women’s and youth homelessness, mental health services, and affordable healthcare.

At the end of the semester, they share their research with other schools, Generation Citizen members, and community influencers at Civics Day.

This year, senior Hayden Maysonet won the Overall Class Changemker Award and 1st hour class won the Grassroots Change Award.

The following teams ranked the highest in their project presentation for their section:
1st hour – Melody Goodfellow, Aviona Dancy, Ben Welch
2nd hour – Jada Baldwin, Hayden Maysonet, Lily Voth, Bitia Cordova
6th hour – Lis Taylor, Adan Zapata, Andrew Webb, Blake Bussey
7th hour – Jill Cruise, Oscar Chavez, Mateo Linden, Kelsie Bishop
In addition, our government class teacher, Coach Sturm, was selected as the Fall 2021 Teacher Changemaker by Generation Citizen.
“Coach Sturm’s commitment to bringing civics to life in the classrooms has paved the way for more teachers to equip their students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation they need to become active, informed, and engaged citizens in our democracy.” said Amy Curran, Oklahoma Executive Director of Generation Citizen. “Coach has embraced the challenges of the moment and empowered students to advocate for themselves and their communities.”
Ignite Arts Festival
Save the date for the 13th Annual Ignite Arts Festival presented by Harding Fine Arts Academy.
 
The Ignite Arts Festival is an all day celebration of arts in Oklahoma City complete with a elementary and middle school art spark competition, HFA student art store, performances, and live demonstrations form local artists.
 
To register for the Art Spark Competition, please contact Mr. Ivey, HFA visual arts teacher at jivey@hfaaokc.org
Evolution of the Movie Musical
Please join us for the next installment of the Evolution of the Movie Musical with Stormy Weather (1943)
 
Tuesday, March 29
5:30-8:00 pm
Harding Fine Arts Academy Auditorium
 
This all-Black musical extravaganza from 20th Century-Fox chronicles the history of African American contributions to American musical entertainment, from spirituals and soft shoe, blues and zoot suits, to jazz and jive. Standards like “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Diga Diga Doo,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and “Stormy Weather” are brought to life by an all-star cast including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller and the Nicholas Brothers.

Made during wartime, STORMY WEATHER was part of a bevy of movie musicals that helped buoy spirits and bolster the patriotic fervor of Americans at home and overseas during World War II, but the performances it captures have endured long since.
 
This event is FREE to the public.
 
Concession will be available and all proceeds will benefit the Film Production Club at Harding Fine Arts Academy.
 
Masks are encouraged while not enjoying concessions and all audience members will be asked to social distance in the auditorium.
 
Seating is limited, so RSVP today!
Leadership in Arts & Education Awards
Monday, March 28, 2022
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Jones Assembly
901 W Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
 
The Leadership in Arts & Education Awards recognizes those who have made sustainable and inspiring contributions to the arts and education in Oklahoma. This annual fundraising event for the Foundation is the single largest source of income for the organization. This lively evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, student art sale, entertainment, and more!
 
We are pleased to honor the following:
  • Ken and Mary Ann Fergeson, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
  • University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, Community Impact Award
  • Jean Hendrickson, Innovation in Education Award
  • Rand Elliott ’68, Outstanding Harding High School Alumni
  • DeVante Parker ’11, Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni
 
Tickets are $125 per individuals and $225 per couple.
Members of the Harding Alumni Association will receive exclusive pricing.
 
Tickets go on sale February 28, 2022 via online, phone or mail.
 
Please contact Shannon Mckenrick at lae@hfaafoundation.org if you have any questions.
Alumni Update
To be included in the class notes, please send your announcement with your name and class year to alumni@hfaafoundation.org.
 
Accepted announcements include:
  • Alumni events and gatherings
  • Marriages
  • Family births and deaths
  • Career advancements and retirements
  • Awards or honors received
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