WHITINSVILLE — Whitinsville Christian School has launched the first of several Degree Tracks, allowing students more recognition for their dedication to certain areas of study. The first track to launch, the Fine Arts Degree Track, is available to freshmen and sophomores in the 2021/2022 academic year and will allow students the opportunity to receive a Fine Arts Endorsement on his or her high school diploma.
This new arts track will require 20 credits in Fine Arts courses, participation in performing opportunities, attendance and a review of outside performances, and a senior year performance or showcase. All of these activities are recorded by the student in order to create an e-portfolio, an important tool as they audition for programs and apply for colleges and scholarships.
Heather (Hannon) Rufo, Director of Arts, was instrumental in developing the Fine Arts Track, and commented “I wish I had this Fine Arts Track when I was in high school. For my college auditions, I was auditioning for very competitive musical theater programs, and needed every edge I could get. This endorsement provides an edge!”
The WCS Fine Arts Endorsement was a major initiative of Rick Lukianuk’s first year as Head of School. “The WCS Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement sends the message to colleges that while we may not be a conservatory, Whitinsville Christian School is preparing students for college, and helping them to build a future in the arts,” said Lukianuk.
“We have an incredibly rich elective program at WCS that extends beyond drama, choir, orchestra, and band. Students can take specialty classes like sound tech, music composition and songwriting, AP music theory, modern American music, sculpture, and digital art, just to name a few!” said Rufo. “The Nehemiah Center for Arts and Worship, built in 2018, features a stage that some could only dream of performing on. And, yet, this is a stage that is used for our K-12 WCS Arts programming for all school plays, concerts, and performances.”
“This formal recognition of our talented students sets us apart as the top area Christian school for the fine arts,” said Lukianuk. “I am grateful for Heather’s leadership in this program, and to our Education Committee members for their support of the idea.”
To learn more about all of the opportunities for students in grades K-12, WCS is hosting an Open House on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Please visit whitinsvillechristian.org to RSVP, or for more information.