SCUC ISD has been honored as one of just 94 winners in Texas of the prestigious Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction Award. This recognition highlights the district's commitment to providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes the importance of visual arts in fostering creativity and enhancing social-emotional learning, ultimately connecting students to their community and beyond. SCUC’s Visual Arts program met or exceeded a 14-point rubric that examined the district’s membership, exhibitions, contests, and community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service and collaboration with other content areas.
“Our art programs have had a legacy of excellence for a long time, but this is the first year we have stretched ourselves to reach for this recognition. We are so excited to be recognized among the top 5.5% of districts in the state for the work of our art teachers and students,” said Beth Bronk, Director of Fine Arts. “While our high school art students and teachers have participated in VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) for many years with great success, this past year our junior high, intermediate, and elementary programs also entered work for adjudication and feedback.”
Two SCUC students have recently reached the pinnacle in VASE competition. Vienne Tworek, from Byron P. Steele High School, received the Gold Seal Medal, the equivalent to a state championship in UIL-sponsored competition, at the state contest in April. Alyssa Wilcox, from Samuel Clemens High School, accomplished the same feat in 2023.
In both cases, more than 30,000 entries were judged at the regional level, with fewer than 2500 qualifying for State and only 160 entrants earning the summit achievement, the Gold Seal.
Meanwhile, Junior VASE, consisting of intermediate and junior high school students from SCUC, had 22 of the 23 entries receiving the highest rating of 4, and six students receiving Platinum recognition. This was the first year for our junior high and intermediate students to compete.
In addition to VASE competitions, district art programs celebrated Youth Art Month, Big Art Day (March 7), provided field experiences for students, collaborated with other disciplines, performed community service, and held a tremendously successful district art show. “Support for our programs from the district and the community has been outstanding,” Bronk added, “We are grateful for the attendance at our art events and look forward to continuing to bring something special and meaningful to our community.”
“SCUC has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” said Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Arts Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA. “It’s a true testament to your district’s visual arts educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”
SCUC will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the annual Fall Conference General Assembly in Galveston on November 15, 2024. 
