54 Dysart Students Earn State Seal of Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/3/2021

The Dysart Unified School District had 54 students earn the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency this year.  The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music.    

Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project.  Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal. 

Dysart Unified School District was one of 31 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 81 Arizona schools participated, and 665 students earned the Arts Seal, 54 of those were from Dysart for a total of 57 seals earned. Three of only 13 students across the state that earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines were in Dysart.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary amount of hours our students and teachers have dedicated to their craft. These 54 students persevered through the tremendous challenges we have faced in the past year, and amid the pandemic. The arts teach self-expression, empathy and creativity, as well as problem solving, all which lead to a more well rounded citizen.  These students are fine examples of how the arts enriches our lives,” said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts.