John Belt's Vision
by Joy Reed Belt
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It seems like it was only yesterday, that I first heard about John’s dream of creating what has become Harding Fine Arts Academy. One evening I was in the kitchen concocting my special mealtime hack: a delicious mixture of take-out and freshly prepared food for our supper. I heard the garage door open and John’s deep baritone voice calling out, “Joy? Where are you? Joy? Joy! I have an idea I want to talk with you about.”
“What are you so excited about?” I asked. He boomed, “Joy, we are going to start a school.” My thoughts started racing. A school? Why? What kind of school? Why? Where? Most of all, WHY? Since we had been working together on the creation of The Paseo Arts District since 1976, I asked if he was going to start a school in Paseo. He said, “No. We need to start an arts-related charter school in the old Harding building on Shartel.” I was astonished and asked if he didn’t think we both already had enough to do. His rebuttal was that starting this school was necessary and important because "it will change lives!” – which turned out to be true!
As I listened to his rationale, I realized that this wasn’t just an idea John wanted to talk over, I realized it was an endeavor to which he was already committed.
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John had a magnificent vision for the school. In his mind, Harding would offer a regional performance venue, achieve national recognition, and be instrumental in redefining what effective education should and could be. With help from the The Kirkpatrick Foundation and Jean Hendrickson, Director of A+ Arts Schools at the time, he learned about multiple intelligences and arts-integrated methodologies which became the cornerstone of Harding’s curriculum.
John’s excitement about an arts focused school was contagious! He worked diligently over the next 2 years to create the charter school, develop curriculum, raise money to open the building, and recruit the first 9th grade class in 2005. As we embark on our 16th school year, John would be so pleased with our progress and would be excited about Harding’s future.
Joy Reed Belt
Foundation Board President
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Please join us for an afternoon of food and family fun as we celebrate Harding’s 16th birthday on August 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the athletic field.
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During the party, we will also be collecting essential school and art supplies for the students. Due to gaps in state-appropriated funding, we can’t always ensure students have access to appropriate supplies. Download our Birthday Wish List to see our most requested supplies from administrators and teachers.
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Save the Date!
9th Annual Leadership in Arts & Education Awards
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For the last 9 years, we have honored individuals, couples, and organizations for their outstanding contribution to the arts and education in Oklahoma through the Leadership in Arts & Education Awards.
Monday, October 25, 2021
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Jones Assembly
901 W Sheridan Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Business casual attire
This event also helps the Foundation raise mission-critical funds for the Student Success Fund. These unrestricted dollars are used to purchase supplies, equipment, new technology and for preserving our nearly 100-year-old historic building.
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Last month ladies from the Class of 1963 got together over lunch. Pictured from left to right (using maiden names) are Linda Laughlin, Rindy Robertson, Marty Sanger, Pat Weaver, Diane Braswell, Dadie Coe, Brooke Smith, Judy Elderkin, Susan Moorman, Lil Hamor, Claire Urbansky, Kaye Vernon, Margaret Patzer, and Carol Meeks. |
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Accepted announcements include:
- Alumni events and gatherings
- Marriages
- Family births and deaths
- Career advancements and retirements
- Awards or honors received
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