Tag: education

Class of 2024 Seniors Accepted to Over 49 US Colleges

By Teresa Fang / May 21, 2024

The Class of 2024 seniors were accepted to over 49 colleges in the United States to the Class of 2028 in the first admissions cycle since the fall of affirmative action prohibited colleges from considering race during the process.

According to Dean of Counseling Lori Newnam, NCSSM Counseling Services worked with seniors from May 1-6 to complete their final transcript requests. After May 1, seniors self-reported their decisions to the department, which has released data on the colleges the class of 2024 committed to for The Stentorian. As of May 14, 2024, college commitment data was available for 289 out of the total 317 graduating seniors, including early decision, early action, and regular decision commitments:

college	city	state	final choice
Barnard College	New York	NY	1
Bates College	Lewiston	ME	1
Boston College	Chestnut Hill	MA	1
Boston University	Boston	MA	1
Brown University	Providence	RI	1
California Institute of Technology	Pasadena	CA	1
Carnegie Mellon University	Pittsburgh	PA	1
Columbia University in the City of New York	New York	NY	2
Cornell University	Ithaca	NY	2
Davidson College	Davidson	NC	2
Drexel University	Philadelphia	PA	1
Duke University	Durham	NC	17
Elizabethtown College	Elizabethtown	PA	1
Florida Atlantic University	Boca Raton	FL	1
Georgetown University	Washington	DC	1
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	Atlanta	GA	6
Harvard University	Cambridge	MA	3
Howard University	Washington	DC	1
Johns Hopkins University	Baltimore	MD	1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Cambridge	MA	5
Middlebury College	Middlebury	VT	1
New York University	New York	NY	1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh	Raleigh	NC	39
Northwestern University	Evanston	IL	1
Princeton University	Princeton	NJ	1
Rice University	Houston	TX	1
Saint Joseph’s University	Philadelphia	PA	1
St Olaf College	Northfield	MN	1
Stanford University	Stanford	CA	3
Swarthmore College	Swarthmore	PA	1
Tufts University	Medford	MA	1
University of California-Berkeley	Berkeley	CA	1
University of Chicago	Chicago	IL	1
University of Delaware	Newark	DE	1
University of Florida	Gainesville	FL	1
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Champaign	IL	1
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	Ann Arbor	MI	1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill	NC	163
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Charlotte	NC	3
University of North Carolina Wilmington	Wilmington	NC	1
University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia	PA	5
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	Pittsburgh	PA	1
University of Southern California	Los Angeles	CA	1
University of Toledo	Toledo	OH	1
Vanderbilt University	Nashville	TN	1
Wake Forest University	Winston-Salem	NC	1
Washington and Lee University	Lexington	VA	1
Western Carolina University	Cullowhee	NC	1
Yale University	New Haven	CT	3

Data acquired by The Stentorian from Counseling Services. (The Stentorian)

Counseling Services is still in the midst of processing acceptance data, and according to Program Assistant Pam Oxendine, the full data sheet will be released in June.

78.5% of graduating seniors staying in-state

Compared to last year, more seniors are staying in-state than going out-of-state, making up 78.8% of the graduating class. The two states with the greatest number of graduating seniors are Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, at 3.81% (11 students) each out of the total reporting seniors.

This year, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) received a total of 163 committed NCSSM students, making up 56.4% of the total reporting seniors. In 2023, there were 169 commits. This marks the first decrease in committed UNC-CH students since 2021, the first year of in-person schooling after the pandemic. As the number of total applications to UNC-CH has been increasing by a steady 5.75% every year, it would not be a surprise to see more applications to UNC-CH than ever before.

Ivy league, MIT, and Stanford commits

Upending decades of legal precedents, the Supreme Court ruled in June 2023 that race-conscious college admissions programs at Harvard University and UNC-CH are unconstitutional, causing higher-education institutions to shift to race-neutral policies. NCSSM students going to Ivy League, MIT, and Stanford made up 7.61% of all graduating seniors.

College	# Admits in 2024	Av. # Admits since 2020	avg. # accepted since 2020	avg. % increase in applications since 2020
Harvard	3	2.75	4.75	5.12%
UPenn	5	2.5	6	15.1%
Princeton	1	1	3.5	13.4%
Columbia	2	5	9	18.9%
Cornell	2	4	10	12.2%
Brown	1	1.5	3.25	21.8%
Dartmouth	0	0.5	2	21.9%
MIT	5	5.5	6.25	9.84%
Stanford	3	1.25	3	8.71%

Data acquired by The Stentorian from Counseling Services and Naviance. (The Stentorian).

In the wake of the fall of affirmative action and the first cycle of some applicants admitted to the first test-required policies since 2020, the statistics for NCSSM graduating classes is not unusually different. Counseling Services did not release the statistics for race and ethnicity data (nor gender and socioeconomic details) for the graduating class to each college.

May 25, 2024

NCSSM-Durham Class of 2024 Graduates at the 43rd Commencement

By Teresa Fang / May 25, 2024

On May 25, 2024, seniors of the Class of 2024 graduated at the North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham after receiving their diplomas on what Chancellor Roberts described as a “beautiful day.”

Other speakers included Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Chief Campus Officer Terry Lynch, Gene Davis of the UNC Board of Governors, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs Katie O’Connor, student speaker Lucia Paulsen ’24, Student Body President Steaven Ramírez Serrano ’24, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and President of the Sloan Foundation Adam Falk ’83, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Stephanie M. Bass ’91.

As Counseling Services released to The Stentorian two weeks ago, out of the 289 seniors who reported their final college decisions out of the total 317 graduating seniors, the Class of 2024 represented 49 colleges across the United States. More information and statistics on the Class of 2024’s college decisions can be viewed on stentorianncssm.wordpress.com.

In this broadcast, The Stentorian reporter Teresa Fang interviews Lilianna Heffner ’25, Anna Tricomi ’25, Dr. Heather Mallory, Lucia Paulsen ’24, Riziki Chabeda ’24, May Ming ’24, Cole Thomas ’24 (and his grandmas), Eva Lou ’24, John Jahn ’24, Asa Zengerle ’25, Israel James ’25, Taylor Ellis ’25, and Ms. Maria Mileti.

May 25, 2024

NC FBLA State Leadership Conference – March 21-23, 2024

By NCSSM Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

On March 21-23, 2024, NCSSM-Durham FBLA competed at the North Carolina Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference in Greensboro, NC. (Khushi Bhatt/NCSSM FBLA)

A couple of weeks ago, NCSSM-Durham FBLA traveled to Greensboro to compete in the North Carolina FBLA State Leadership Conference on March 21-23, 2024. Students competed among 70 schools and over 4,000 high school students from across the state. This 2-night, 3-day long conference is one of the biggest events NCSSM FBLA competes in over the course of the school year.

Chapter President and Founder Khushi Bhatt states, “As a first-time chapter, all of our winners and finalists should be incredibly proud of themselves! All the hard work and late nights of paperwork and registration are worth it when someone from our school gets up on that stage.”

NCSSM FBLA had over 45 out of 70 students place in the Top 10 within their respective events and even have 30 students planning on competing at Nationals in June in Orlando, Florida. These are extremely high numbers for a newly founded chapter, and students from our school showed out from events like Marketing to Network Design!

This is such an incredible feat, and NCSSM FBLA would like to thank Veronica Vazquez, their sponsor, as well as NCSSM Academic Programs for funding and support. Furthermore, we would like to give a huge shout-out to all of the amazing FBLA officers who have been working since the summer to make this possibility a reality. Thank you to Khushi, Charit, Aryan V., Kenan, Vishvum, Aryan C., Zoe, Tanuli, Prisha, Rehan, Cat, and Aspen for all your hard work!

Congratulations to all the winners, see a comprehensive list below!

Name	event	place
Lalit Julapali	Financial Planning HS – Test Recognition	Finalist
Khushi Bhatt	Advertising	1
Zain Patel	Agribusiness	3
George Cheng	Agribusiness	1
Reid Burgess	Agribuisness	Finalist
Pranav Mettu	Agribusiness	2
Adrian Bedeley	Banking and Financial Systems	Finalist
Catherine Russ	Business Law	Finalist
Kush Mehta	Business Law	2
Edward Zhang	Business Law	1
Tanuli, Prisha, Zoe	Business Management	1
Rishi, Aditya	Business plan	Finalist
Pranav Nair	Coding and Programming	Finalist
Gokul Kannan	Computer Problem Solving	2
Shourya Kudaravalli	Computer Problem Solving	4
Sanjana Ram	Cybersecurity	2
Jacey Odero	Economics	4
Eric Su	Economics	Finalist
Amy Lei	Health Care Administration	Finalist
Malcom Louigards	Health Care Administration	3
Andrea Dela Pena	Health Care Administration	Finalist
Rehab Moham	Help Desk	Finalist
Alina Sohail, Janvi Patel	Hospitality and Event Management	3
Charit Singalreddy	Human Resource Management	1
Adarsh Magesh	Insurance and Risk Management	2
Grayson, Cash, Chris	International Business	2
Caroline Stallings	Journalism	4
Thrista Venkat	Management and Information Systems	4
Ethan, Mantra	Marketing	4
Kenan Thornton	Organizational Leadership	Finalist
Tanush Sriam	Organizational Leadership	1
Kahaan Khatri	Personal Finance	Finalist
Ananya Agarwal	Public Policy and Advocacy	3
Neel Date	Public Policy and Advocacy	1
Olivia Chen, Bindi Parikh	Sales Presentation	4
Andy Sun	Securities and Investment	Finalist
Jameson Manning	Securities and Investment	4
Viroop Kuncham	Securities and Investment	3
Vishvum Sriram	Securities and Investment	1
Ronit Dey, River Kucheiria	Social Media Strategies	Finalist
Preston and Henry	Sports Management	Finalist
Sreetha Gajula	Supply Chain Management	1
Aryan Vinnay	UX Design	1
Taylor Eason	Website Coding and Development	Finalist

Chapter President Khushi Bhatt ’24 (right) and Chapter Advisor Veronica Vazquez (left) on the first day of the conference after passing out registration materials. (Khushi Bhatt/NCSSM FBLA)

NCSSM FBLA light their section in the stands up with neon glasses, wrist bands and foam accessories during the opening and closing sessions, enjoying the music and competitive vibes during the conference as the timer ticked down. (Khushi Bhatt/NCSSM FBLA)

March 31, 2024

ASA Block Party – November 10, 2023

By Asian Student Association (ASA)

NCSSM’s Asian Student Association (ASA) is committed to celebrating and sharing the diverse Asian cultures within the NCSSM community as well as educating others about the current issues people within the AAPI community face.

Pictured are some of the events we have hosted this year!

ASA Block Party – November 10, 2023

ASA officers and advisors celebrate the first ASA Block Party on November 10, 2023. (Jessily Chen/ASA)

Jerin Mathew ’24, Shirley Chen ’25, Jessica Yang ’25, and Ryoh Saotome ’24 attend an ASA meeting. (Jessily Chen/ASA)

NCSSM students participate in student-organized festivities, food and game booths, and performances at the ASA Block Party on November 10, 2023. (Jessily Chen/ASA)

Asiafest 2023 – April 2023

NCSSM students display flags of countries across the globe during the March of the Flags performance at the ASA-organized Asiafest 2023. (Jessily Chen/ASA)

NCSSM students perform at the annual March of the Flags performance at the ASA-organized Asiafest 2023. (Jessily Chen/ASA)

Our biggest annual event, Asiafest, is coming April 20th, so be on the lookout for that 😀

Additionally, ASA is looking for successors for next year that are passionate about advocating for positive change and creating opportunities for the AAPI at ‘SSM and across NC… Our application is open on our Facebook page!

March 27, 2024
Life After NCSSM: Alumni Insights

By Khushi Bhatt / March 20, 2024

Dr. Kamal Kolappa and his wife, Dr. Shraddha Kolappa, at NCSSM on December 8, 2023, at an event at NCSSM honoring the naming of the Kolappa Conference Room. (McKissick for NC)

As students, it’s natural to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of classes, exams, and extracurricular activities, often forgetting to envision our lives beyond the confines of NCSSM. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Kamal Kolappa, a graduate of the Class of 1998, who shared his journey after his time here at Science and Math. Kamal’s trajectory is both inspiring and insightful, serving as a beacon of guidance for those of us approaching graduation.

After ‘SSM, Kamal pursued his undergraduate studies at Duke University and later embarked on attending UNC Medical School and later completing his residency as a cardiologist. It’s evident that Kamal’s commitment to learning and service has remained throughout his professional endeavors.

Today, Kamal resides in Cary, North Carolina, where he contributes his expertise to the field of medical insurance. During our conversation, Kamal generously imparted invaluable advice and wisdom, which I am eager to share with you all. His insights serve as a reminder of the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.

Below is a Q&A with Kolappa, slightly edited for clarity:

Can you share some highlights from your time at SSM? What are some memorable experiences or moments that shaped your journey?

One of the most impactful moments during my time at SSM was when I had the opportunity to meet someone who openly identified as LGBTQ+. Coming from Eastern North Carolina, where discussions about sexual orientation were often taboo or nonexistent, encountering someone who openly embraced their identity was both eye-opening and nerve-wracking for me.

Initially, I felt a sense of nervousness and uncertainty as I navigated this new encounter. However, as I engaged in conversations and spent more time with this individual, I quickly realized that we shared far more similarities than differences. Despite our diverse backgrounds and identities, we bonded over shared interests, aspirations, and values.

This experience profoundly influenced my perspective on diversity, acceptance, and the importance of keeping an open mind. It taught me the invaluable lesson of not judging others based on preconceived notions or societal stereotypes but rather embracing the richness of human diversity and celebrating the unique experiences that each individual brings to the table.

What hall did you live in?

Third West!

How did your experiences at our school prepare you for your career or further education?

My experiences at our school had a profound impact on preparing me for my career and further education. Before attending ‘SSM, my previous high school experience had been relatively easy, and I hadn’t been challenged to push myself academically or personally. However, upon entering SSM, I encountered a dynamic environment where hard work, dedication, and collaboration were not only encouraged but also essential for success.

One of the most significant lessons I learned at SSM was the importance of putting in consistent effort and dedication to achieve my goals. Surrounded by peers who were driven and committed to their academic pursuits, I was inspired to elevate my own standards and work ethic.

Favorite NCSSM school traditions?

Koffeehaus was a blast; it provided a lively atmosphere where students could showcase their talents while enjoying each other’s company. IVIZ, on the other hand, offered a more relaxed setting, perfect for casually exploring fellow students’ rooms and mingling with friends. Both traditions added vibrancy to campus life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Overall, they were highlights of my time at NCSSM, providing unforgettable moments of enjoyment and connection.

What extracurricular activities or programs did you participate in during your time at NCSSM, and how did they contribute to your overall experience?

During my time at NCSSM, I served as a Peer College Counselor, assisting fellow students through the stressful yet fulfilling college application process. Engaging in Science Olympiad and reaching Nationals provided exciting opportunities to delve into the sciences and collaborate with peers. Additionally, I found immense enjoyment in humanities classes, particularly Asian studies, which broadened my global perspective through exploration of culture and literature. Overall, these experiences contributed significantly to my growth and enriched my education at NCSSM.

Any advice for current students? Anything you wish you would have done differently?

Focusing on refining time management skills is crucial, particularly for those, like myself, who were heavily involved in social activities at Science and Math, balancing academics and social life can be challenging. I highly recommend students seize this opportunity to explore new interests and passions they may not have considered before; it’s a chance for personal growth and discovery. Additionally, learning to prioritize self-care is essential; while academic success is important, it’s equally vital to recognize that grades don’t define one’s worth, nor does the prestige of one’s college choice.

Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that my time at Science and Math was the most fulfilling and transformative period of my life thus far. The school’s supportive environment and diverse opportunities have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, and the lessons learned here continue to resonate across every aspect of my life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Science and Math to anyone seeking an enriching educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

March 1, 2024
NCSSM alumni return for Alumni Weekend 2023

By Teresa Fang / October 23, 2023

The newly renovated PFM. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)

For three days in October, Unicorns from all over the nation and world galloped to NCSSM in Durham. Nostalgia filled Bryan lobby as more than 470 NCSSM alumni returned for Alumni Weekend 2023.

Alumni Weekend is a tradition with 41 years in the running – nearly half a century of connecting Unicorns thanks to the generosity of alumni and the up-to-the-minute NCSSM alumni network. The event plans had been in the works since last year, and thanks to the Alumni Weekend 2023 ReUNIon Committee, Team NCSSM, and the NCSSM Alumni Association, the classes of 1983,’88, ‘93, ‘98, ‘02, ‘08, ‘13, and ‘18 enjoyed a “State of the School” remark, Alumni Awards, class activities and photo slideshows, and student-led campus tours.

Around the World, In the Network

When seniors graduate, they get automatically added to the NCSSM Alumni Network, which currently consists of 12,464 alumni (as of this article’s publication).

“It’s something that we have here that I think makes us truly special. Any school could have a database, but it’s hard to have the discipline and the persistence to do it over time,” said Brock Winslow, ‘86, the vice chancellor for external relations and chief of staff since 2007. The database traces back to the first graduated class of 1982.

While the Alumni Association’s Alumni Network is a self-updating network, the contact information is ultimately gathered to organize the Alumni Weekend. The event started on Friday with a Zoom meeting where more than 300 people would join from around the world.

“Literally, you could see people log in from Singapore. Around the world, you just name it.” Winslow said. “When alumni go to our Facebook page, they can watch this, see the [ReUNIon Committee] officers, get the ‘State of the School’ address, and more.” According to the Alumni Association, about 20 percent of all NCSSM alumni attend the meeting or watch its recording.

“What I loved the most? I think it was the community of nerds.”

When a student starts their “flight” at NCSSM, they join hundreds of students like them but are from all areas of North Carolina. Regardless of whether it was connecting with the students and teachers, or taking in the advantages and opportunities, alumni owe their post-high-school lives to their alma mater.

“Being here definitely grew my network, and helped me grow into myself as a person,” said Maya Mims, ‘18, who is now a math teacher in Washington, D.C. Surprisingly, prior to NCSSM, they hated math. Their classmates and teachers, especially Dr. Dan Teague, helped turn that attitude around. “They definitely helped spark a lot of my love for teaching, math, and academia, so that’s why I’m teaching now.”

Other alumni made lifelong friends and memories. On Alumni Weekend, many current students noted there were many couples and families present. For example, although Gabriel “Gabe” Whaley and Amy Kim, both ‘08, never dated in high school, they recently got married.

Whaley, the class of 2008 student body president, is now the CEO and founder of MSCHF, a viral art collective. Despite his laments over the amount of work to do as a president, Whaley enjoyed having fun and connecting with the people at NCSSM, especially his cabinet.

“What I loved the most? I think it was the community of nerds. I felt like this was a great place to be myself and grow, other than doing things I should have gotten in trouble for…” He said, keeping his detailed mischiefs off the record. Behind him, his vice president Andrew Ngo quipped that one such deed included copying master keys and distributing them to seniors.

For Catherine Kirby Dunleavy, ‘88, she treasured her friendships: “I always felt like [NCSSM] was just the most accepting place I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

At the time of the interview, she was walking with a group of same-class alumni, the oldest friendship of which was with David Steinmiller, ‘88, when the two met while Dunleavy was reading a magazine in the ETC courtyard before the first day of school.

“We were just looking at the [alumni class] slideshows, and I remembered all the activities and cultural stuff we did, not just math and science,” Steinmiller said. “I don’t think you could recreate this like in fancy private schools, because those people aren’t drawn there. NCSSM are the dorks of North Carolina – and that’s the best thing. There’s nothing quite like this, really.”

October 23, 2023
Perspective: Convocation with Two Campuses and One School

By Sofía Alfaro / September 15, 2023

Students lit up the out-of-power gym with their phone flashlights during convocation on August 15, 2023. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)

The students of NCSSM were crowded into the gym bleachers on August 15, 2023, for convocation. As it came closer to 4:00 p.m., the instructors began to sit down on the floor of the gym. Many students thought it was meaningless for them to be in the gym since they couldn’t see the speakers, and it would have been the same experience if the convocation had been over Zoom like last year since the speaker wasn’t even in-person.

At 4:20 p.m., the lights began to flicker and soon after, the power went out. The students cheered as they would no longer be forced to listen to a speaker whom some of them couldn’t even see. As the students realized they were stuck in the darkness, they began singing songs while waving their flashlights – as many people do during concerts. As time went on students began to get more restless as they were stuck in a hot gym with more than 600 other people.

After the storm passed, the students were released by bleacher sections into the residential buildings. Most students came back to the PEC to get dinner. But by the time students were getting back to their regular routines, the day had gotten darker. Since only Bryan Lobby had working lights and outlets due to the backup generators, the lobby was filled with at least a hundred students. As it got closer to check, students who had friends who lived nearby went to their houses.

Everyone did what they could to cool themselves off. At one point in the night, frozen cheesecake bites were put out for students to grab them. In addition to it being free food, it was also a nice cold snack. Though the power outage was inevitable, it would have been nice for Durham’s convocation to have been postponed due to the weather.

The thunderstorm outside the Bryan lobby main entrance on August 15, 2023. (Sofía Alfaro/Stentorian)

August 15 and 16 were very chaotic days, but in those moments we were able to reflect. The PEC is a semi-permanent solution since the complete renovation of the auditorium will span over a few years. A solution that I would like to propose is two different convocations. Having two convocations would have made it easier to postpone it.

The convocation experience should be completely in-person for both campuses as is graduation. When I attended the convocation, I was sad to see that I couldn’t see the speaker and I wished that I could have. Neither Durham’s nor Morganton’s Fine Arts program was able to perform which I believe would have made the experience much better. Each campus’ orchestra and band are extremely talented and I would have loved to see them perform.

Junior Valentina Kimes talked about her experience of the power outage. Though she was very excited for her first day of school she was still stressed and the power outage added to the stress. Even though the power outage created a very hot environment, Kimes was still able to have fun and believed that it was a good way to connect with her classmates. Most of this bonding happened in Bryan Lobby. Due to classes being canceled, many students were in Bryan Lobby so they could charge their devices. Not only were they able to charge their devices but they were also able to spend time with their peers and take a break from the intense NCSSM school day.

The power outage was a bonding experience but many juniors and seniors alike were not able to experience it to its full extent. Convocation is the day when all the students and faculty come together to appreciate NCSSM; Durham and Morganton are completely separate campuses that have their own cultures. To appreciate NCSSM for what it is would be to have a convocation where the speaker and students can come together and appreciate the uniqueness of each campus.

September 15, 2023
A Glimpse Into NCSSM’s Fine Arts Department

By Emmie Rose / September 6, 2023

NCSSM Choir students at practice. (Emmie Rose/Stentorian)

Within our NCSSM community, there is creativity and academic rigor. In a recent interview with Mr. Laird, the fine arts chair, we got a look at what makes NCSSM’s Fine Arts program truly stand out.

At NCSSM, our Fine Arts Department offers many courses, ranging in visual arts, music, and theater. “These courses aren’t just about checking boxes; they’re an opportunity for students to continue their artistic journeys from their previous schools,” Mr. Laird commented after being asked where the arts fit into course requirements. The Fine Arts Department here aims to foster a sense of community within the larger academic institution. The various courses hope to be a place where students find support among peers who share their creative passion, contributing to students’ sense of well-being.

Now, the fine arts are not a course requirement, so why should we take them? The department stresses that time spent in the Fine Arts isn’t just about ticking off requirements; it’s about personal growth and academic enrichment.The significance of a long-term arts experience carries over to college admissions. Colleges tend to applaud students who’ve shown dedication to the arts over an extended period. Laird pointed out that the arts should be a rigor, a different type of rigor than strenuous classes.

Within this department, ideas flow between the faculty and staff. Mr Laird added “Great art happens when great relationships are in place”. The quality of art created improves with the community it takes place in.

When asked about opportunities within the Fine Arts Department, Mr. Laird explained the different possibilities in each area. Visual artists can participate in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, while musicians can explore district, regional, and even national orchestra and band opportunities. For theater enthusiasts, it’s finding places to showcase their talents, like the school musical or play.

The fine arts department stretches beyond the courses, as there are events such as koffeehaus to show just how many of our students are more than just the science and math part of this school.

NCSSM’s Fine Arts Department is more than just a program; it’s a place of creativity, community, and growth. Speaking with Mr. Laird as he shared his experiences and delved into this department, I was amazed at the amount of dedication, support, and excitement that is put into this huge part of NCSSM.

September 6, 2023