Teacher of the Year!
Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation is pleased to announce it has selected its first Teacher of the Year, Coach Lee Ann Sturm. Coach Sturm has taught with Harding Fine Arts Academy for six years and currently teaches AP Government, AP US History, AP Human Geography, Honors Geometry and Government. They are also the girl’s basketball coach and co-sponsor for Spectrum and Black Student Association. 

Harding Fine Arts Academy was founded in 2005 by community leader John L. Belt, but until this year it has never honored a teacher through this award. At the start of the spring semester, every teacher nominated someone they thought was deserving of this award. From the nominees, three finalists were selected and voted on again by their colleagues. 

“This school year has been an extraordinary for our teachers. They have worked incredibly hard and risen to the challenge.” said Vice Principal Tara Houston who oversaw the nomination process. “Because of this all of our teachers are deserving of this award, but I am pleased to be able to present this to Coach Sturm.”

Coach Sturm knew they wanted to be a teacher at a young age. They wanted to play an impactful role in a child’s educational journey – just as their teachers did for them. Learn more about Coach Sturm and their passion for Harding on our website.
The Foundation is funded primarily through donations from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations. Donations to the Teacher Resource Fund in honor of Coach Sturm can be made online.
Auditorium Renovations
Thanks to the generous support of our donors the auditorium renovation is complete! The auditorium is now equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, lighting and a new 20’ screen and projector. The staff and students are beyond excited to have this new equipment. 
Project Gateway - Sponsor a Senior
Every year, seniors participate in many activities to celebrate their impending gradation. This year’s graduation will look at little different than past years, with a drive-through ceremony and live streamed commencement speeches. These festivities as well as graduation regalia are paid for in the form of senior dues. Thanks to a generous donation from an Anonymous Family Foundation, 62 out of out 88 graduates will have their dues covered!
 
If you would like to support our graduates, consider Sponsoring A Senior. 
Host a Foreign Exchange Student
Help make an American Dream come true by hosting a Foreign Exchange Student! The Aspect Foundation has helped connect exchange students with host families for over 35 years. By hosting an international student, you get to share every aspect of your culture and lifestyle while also enriching your own family. 
Carol McPheeters ’63 and Doris "Jenny" White ’63 on a picturesque lane in Pacciano, Umbria. They traveled with Carol's daughters, Kim and Christy, to Italy prior to the COVID pandemic.
In 1981, Doris "Jenny" White ‘63 (in red) scaled 17,769 to the top pass of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal in 1981! Jenny wants to know if anyone has surpassed her elevation. Respond to this email and include a photo.
The Foundation is accepting Alumni memorabilia to go in our updated Alumni Library. Please contact Shannon Mckenrick at (405) 702-6939 or smckenrick@hfaafoundation.org to make drop-off arrangements.