Local Students Shine in VCCS Arts and Poetry Contests: Emphasizing the Importance of STEAM

STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is a term often used in education. The U.S. Department of Education promotes rigorous curricula in these areas to prepare students for complex challenges and high-tech jobs. STEM careers are frequently among the highest paying and most in-demand. However, some suggest including the Arts, represented by the letter 'A', to form STEAM.

Supporters of STEAM believe that the arts can contribute to significant change. They refer to Albert Einstein, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, who valued the arts. Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

A few years ago, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report titled “Art for Life’s Sake.” The report emphasized the various ways the arts contribute to society, including promoting personal reflection, challenging perspectives, and developing cognitive and technical skills.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has launched a series of poetry and art contests to inspire student creativity. The theme, “I Belong,” encouraged students to explore their connection with their schools and communities. The first contest was held on March 13th at the Estes Community Center in Chase City. Dr. Daryl Minus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, commended the event for promoting the arts and student engagement.

Harper Balance won the visual art category at the contest, and her work was displayed at a VCCS event where she won the 'People's Choice' award. Rayna Aranzamendez won the poetry category and performed her work live with other winners across the VCCS. A book featuring the winning poetry and art from all participating colleges will be published with support from Virginia Humanities.

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