Putting the “A” Back in Bay – A is for the Arts

This week, as we continue our focus on the five pillars of putting the “A” back in Bay, I’m excited to celebrate one of the most inspiring and transformative elements of our district: the Arts. The arts connect us—students, families, staff, and the broader community—in ways that words alone never could. They spark creativity, build confidence, and allow our young people to explore the depth and power of human expression.

We are tremendously fortunate in Bay District Schools to have premier fine arts facilities like the Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center at A. Crawford Mosley High School and the Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center on the campus of Bay High School. These aren’t just performance halls; they are vibrant, creative hubs where students bring stories to life, music fills the air, and our community gathers to celebrate talent, dedication, and passion. We remain deeply grateful to the Nelson family for their continued commitment to supporting the arts here in Bay County.

This school year has already been filled with remarkable achievements. Our high school drama programs have produced outstanding fall productions. Our bands have completed their MPA season, showcasing months of hard work and musical excellence. Merritt Brown Middle School’s band director has been named a Top 5 finalist for Bay District Schools Teacher of the Year, a testament to the quality of arts educators shaping our students every day.

And our artistic celebrations extend far beyond the stage. Each month, we showcase our Artist of the Month, highlighting student work across all mediums, from drawing and painting to ceramics, digital design, photography, and more. These students remind us that the arts come alive in countless forms, each one meaningful and important.

We are also gearing up for one of our favorite annual events: Arts Alive, hosted by the Bay Education Foundation. Auditions will be held January 9–10, and this year’s show will take the stage on March 27th. This event shines a spotlight on the incredible talent across our district and celebrates the dedication of both our students and our teachers.

In Bay District Schools, the arts aren’t just enrichment…they’re essential. They teach collaboration, empathy, resilience, and joy. They give students the courage to take risks and the confidence to share their voices. And none of this would be possible without you—our supportive families, dedicated staff, and engaged community partners.

Thank you for championing the arts in our district. Thank you for showing up, cheering loudly, encouraging often, and believing in the power of creativity. Together, we are truly putting the “A” back in Bay and building a future where the arts continue to flourish for generations to come.