When art teacher Dawn Graham received an email rewarding her with the Secondary Art Award for the Western Region of Arkansas, Mrs. Graham rushed to tell all her friends and family the wonderful news.

“I expect that the qualifications were that you had to have gone above and beyond your duties,” said Mrs. Graham.

One of Mrs. Graham’s peers nominated her to win this award.

“I was honored, shocked, and embarrassed when I found out I had won the award,” said Mrs. Graham.

She had no clue she was in the running for such an amazing award. She was thrilled.

“She’s bubbly and professional at the same time,” said senior Jessica Holloway.

Mrs. Graham makes art fun and interesting for her students.

“My favorite thing about art is getting to learn different things,” said junior Jamie Insixiengmay.

Art offers many new opportunities and experiences for its students. Mrs. Graham helps students turn their feelings into art.

“My favorite thing about art is seeing the expression of what everyone is thinking,” said junior Bailey Parks.

Who better to help these students then former art therapist and award winning art teacher, Mrs. Graham.