Five CEA members have been selected as recipients of California Casualty’s Music and Arts Grant program—a program that ensures as many students as possible have a chance to take part in innovative art and music projects at their schools.
Arts and music programs have long been shown to enhance students’ critical thinking skills, foster creativity and improve their concentration, motivation, and confidence. With COVID-19 still having an impact on communities and schools, the arts continue to play a critical role in helping children express themselves, connect with each other, process stress, and stay engaged in their ever-changing learning environment.
Above, Brittney Martin, an art teacher at Harding High School in Bridgeport (center), celebrates her grant with Assistant Principal Kathryn Silver and Principal Dane Brown.
California Casualty’s $36,000 in grants to teachers and schools around the country gives more students a chance to learn music, act in a school play, or hone their artistic talents throughout the 2021-2022 academic year.
Connecticut’s winners are:
- Tracy Gagnon, Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School, Glastonbury
- Brittney Martin, Warren Harding High School, Bridgeport
- Karla McClain, Irving Robbins Middle School, Farmington
- Elizabeth Oman-Wilfrid, Verplanck Elementary School, Manchester
- Wendy Palmieri, Classical Studies Magnet Academy, Bridgeport
“The importance of arts education can’t be overstated,” said California Casualty Assistant Vice President Brian Goodman. “We are proud that we can help teachers provide more creative opportunities for students and schools.”
