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Northville graduate and illustrator Hadley Bugar donates children’s book, credits arts programs
Summary
Hadley Bugar, a Northville High School graduate and disabled artist, presented to the board about the role of arts in her education and donated a copy of A Friend Like Lucy to district elementary schools and the IB art class.
Hadley Bugar, a Northville High School graduate and disabled artist, told the Northville Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 11 that participation in school arts — choir, drama and IB art — helped her manage chronic illness and develop skills she uses professionally. Bugar presented the board with copies of the illustrated children’s book she worked on and offered copies for district elementary schools and the IB art program.
"When I was in high school, chronic illness, particularly unmanageable chronic pain, dominated my life," Bugar said. "But my freedom came from the arts programs… these provided much needed community and a reason to keep enduring." She said the IB art program’s long-term project work helped prepare her for professional illustration assignments.
Bugar said she illustrated the book A Friend Like Lucy, published by Sturd Stories, and arranged to donate a copy to each elementary school and the district’s IB art class (Cook School, the Early Childhood program and the IB class were named during the presentation). She described the book’s main character, Lucy, as a child with Down syndrome who is depicted as a full, rounded character rather than as a device to explain disability.
District leaders and board members praised Bugar’s presentation and the donation. Superintendent RJ Webber and board members noted the arts provide alternative pathways for students who do not connect with athletics, and suggested the book will reinforce inclusion work during the district’s inclusion week beginning March 3.
The district said it will accept and place the donated copies in the listed elementary buildings and the IB class as part of its materials collection.
Bugar’s remarks highlighted arts education as a campus resource for students who need community, structure and project-based learning. Board members said they plan to promote the book and Bugar’s visit during district communications and the Mustang Moments podcast.
Ending
Board members thanked Bugar for the presentation and for donating A Friend Like Lucy to the district. The board noted the book will be used as an educational tool to support inclusion and arts programming.
