MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Turner

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND ANDREW LARK, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECEIPT OF A 2000 GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS.

WHEREAS, at age 36, Andrew Lark, Jr., is already making headlines for his innovative approach to teaching visual arts at Starkville High School; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, his students received more gold medals than any other school or school district has ever received in the history of the Mississippi Regional Scholastic Art Competition; and

WHEREAS, 22 of his students received gold medals, and two of the five American Vision Awards for best of show went to Starkville High students; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lark has said that he instills in his students the idea that their creation is not a project, but a work of art, and that, in his classroom, students are treated as artists; and

WHEREAS, his expectations of his students are high, and they respond to his high expectations with growth as artists; and

WHEREAS, it is Mr. Lark's philosophy that art is a powerful tool, and that, while creativity cannot be taught, a teacher can unlock his students' creativity; and

WHEREAS, reaching beyond the regular classroom, Mr. Lark has taught art to children as coordinator for the "Artist Is In" program in Itta Bena, where he taught photography to the local youth in a summer session; and

WHEREAS, he also served as a counselor at the Leflore County Juvenile Report Center in Greenwood, where he started a project providing delinquent boys with art-related job skills, the program proving so powerful that some of the participants were inspired to attend college and pursue a career in art; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lark continues his work with his students during summer vacation, voluntarily providing the guidance and encouragement they need to develop their artistic talents and skills; and

WHEREAS, he also involves donors from across the country who recognize his resourcefulness as a visual arts educator and who support his work in the classroom with a constant flow of generous donations of art materials and equipment; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Legislature to recognize and commend the dedication of such an outstanding educator, who has devoted uncounted hours and unceasing energy for the betterment of his students:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. Andrew Lark, Jr., upon his receipt of the Arts Education Award of the 2000 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Mr. Lark and to Starkville High School.