A group of students from Southwestern Middle School spent the day at the Indiana Statehouse on February 13. Teacher Camden Ritchie and members of the Southwestern Middle School choirs were recognized for their musical achievements and to increase awareness of legislators about the quality of arts education in Indiana. The Indiana Arts Education Network recognized the Southwestern Middle School choirs for receiving the ISSMA All-Music Award during the 2021-2022 school year.

Ritchie and the students also met with State Representative Sheila Klinker to discuss the importance of well-rounded educational experiences for all students, as well as take a tour of the house chambers.

“Art in education is fun and can also help a child with important things in life,” says eighth grader Madeline Coolman. “For some students, the arts can help them take away stress, help them be more social, and sometimes the arts help kids find talents they didn’t know they had.”

Choir student representatives on the statehouse trip were Taylin Chaney, Madeline Coolman, Brooklynn Dalton, Ella Farrester, Raelyn Fieleke, Madeleine Roberson, Allyson Smith and Karsyn Sperback.