March 27, 2007
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Julie Grimes
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Cheryle "Cherry" Cuddy Gardner, K-12 principal specialist of fine arts with the Virginia Department of Education, recently received the 2007 Southeastern Region Art Educator of the Year award. She was recognized during the National Art Education Association (NAEA) national convention held March 14-18.
"This award is given to recognize excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator," said NAEA President Susan Gabbard. "Ms. Gardner exemplifies the highly qualified individuals active in the field of art education today."
"Virginia has served as a leader in the development and implementation of kindergarten through grade 12 visual arts standards for public schools," Gardner said, in accepting the award. "In 2004, the Virginia Board of Education supported an effort by the General Assembly to pass legislation to provide state funding support to localities to employ visual arts, music and physical education teachers, making Virginia the second state to pass such legislation. I believe Virginia's high-quality fine arts programs will continue to support and improve instruction for all students."
The NAEA is comprised of elementary, secondary, middle and high school art teachers, as well as representatives from major art museums, state departments of education, arts councils and major colleges and universities throughout the United States and 66 foreign countries.
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