Dysart 2nd in State for Arts Seals Earned

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/08/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District students earned the second most Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency for the second year in a row. 129 Dysart students earned arts seals this year, up from 100 last 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 44 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 153 Arizona schools participated, and 1,276 students earned the Arts Seal, 129 of those were from Dysart for a total of 139 seals earned. Six Dysart students earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines, and two students earned triple-seals. Only 23 students statewide earned multiple seals. 

“It is with great pride that we are able to share the hard work and many hours our students have spent dedicated to their discipline,” said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts. “The Seal of Arts Proficiency requires motivated students to go above and beyond what they do in the classroom daily.  Each of these students have created a portfolio highlighting and reflecting upon their growth as artists through their high school arts career, including their plans post high school.  Our goal as arts educators is to create lifelong artists/performers who continue to experience and appreciate the arts beyond high school. I believe this Seal is helping create that impact.”