NHSAEF
NorthwoodArts
Northwood High School in Pittsboro, North Carolina offers myriad arts education opportunities for students. Coursework, extracurricular activities, competitions, concerts, and clubs provide comprehensive, standards-based learning experiences for the diverse student body. Recent additions include Honors Art, Music Theory, Intro to Musical Theater, and Guitar classes; a Winter Guard program begun in 2009; and a chapter of Tri-M, the international music honor society.
Foundation activities support and promote Northwood’s arts education programs. Fundraising efforts focus on the foundation’s primary goal—annual college scholarships to NHS students for achievements in choral music, dance, dramatic arts, instrumental music, and visual arts. Foundation members provide arts advocacy, public relations and promotions assistance to increase community involvement as well as hospitality at NHS arts programs. Members also work directly with faculty on individual projects—providing expertise and resources, serving as consultants and chaperones, and mentoring students.
NHSAEF Executive Board Members
Gina Harrison, President
Crystal Horton, Vice President
Lori Major Carlin, NHS Arts Ed Faculty
Jerry Richardson, Community Liaison
Diane Damico, Parent Liaison
Yvette Navarro, Secretary
Evelyn Shaw, Treasurer
NHS Arts Faculty
Dr. Lori Major Carlin chairs the NHS Arts Education Department and heads the Theatre Arts program. Her Acting Ensemble produces the fall play. The annual spring musical, a Northwood tradition for more than a dozen years, is open to the entire student body and is a collaborative effort of the entire arts ed department.
Eugene Cottrell heads the Instrumental Music department. Ensembles include the award-winning NHS Marching Charger Band, the NHS Jazz Ensemble, the NHS Symphonic Band, and the NHS Concert Band.
Leslie Burwell is Northwood’s Visual Arts teacher. She is the sponsor for the Northwood chapter of the National Art Honor Society as well as the NHS Art Club.
Leah Smith heads the NHS Dance Program. Northwood Dance proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest public high school dance program in North Carolina. In addition
to teaching, she choreographs and directs shows for her classes and auditioned ensembles.
Marilyn Shugart joined Northwood in 2008 to direct the NHS Choral program and teach Intro to Theatre and Guitar classes. She serves as music director and conductor for the annual spring musical and is the faculty advisor of the new Northwood chapter of the TriM Music Honor Society.
Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation • PO Box 894 • Pittsboro, NC 27312 • Tax ID #26-1304244
“A student whose life is enriched by the arts has a better chance of staying in school, achieving in school, and succeeding after he or she graduates from school. Academically and socially, through self-confidence and improved communication skills, a young mind is broadened and a life enriched.”
—Senator Edward Kennedy
