Yakima students showcased in Davis High art show as district highlights performing-arts reach

Carol Halls, an art teacher at Davis High School, led the board in recognizing dozens of student artworks from the 11th annual Davis Art Show, saying the exhibition included at least a thousand pieces and several award winners who advanced to state and national competitions. "When students are engaged in creating their work they talk—they can easily talk about it because they've produced it," Halls told the board, and she introduced students whose pieces won judges' awards and scholarships.

Students described the inspirations behind their work: Oscar said he drew family scenes inspired by time on four-wheelers; one student’s self-portrait titled "Pure Joy" reflected county fair memories; Ruby's entry won a congressional competition slot that could be displayed in Washington, D.C. Board members and staff urged the public to view the show in the Davis gallery.

At the same meeting, Jamie Lee, executive director of teaching and learning, presented a districtwide fine and performing arts overview. Lee said the district offers courses in five core disciplines—dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts—aligned to state and national standards, and noted partnerships with organizations such as SkillsUSA and TSA that provide career-aligned experiences. "Our high school students have earned top honors at regional and state competitions in band, choir, orchestra, jazz and solo and ensemble events," Lee said. She estimated roughly 7,500 students participate in performing-arts programming across the district.

Lee described program structure and opportunities: elementary music begins in kindergarten, middle schools add drama and choir options, and high schools host musicals that integrate visual arts, staging and pit orchestras. The presentation also highlighted recent middle- and high-school exhibitions and competitions, and the district’s practice of showcasing student work on ESD 105 and the Yakima School District YouTube channel.

The board and administrators emphasized the role of arts instruction in student engagement and postsecondary pathways; Lee encouraged parents to watch program exhibitions and to use district resources to support student participation. The meeting's public comment segment later included appeals to preserve middle-school band and percussion instruction at Lewis & Clark Middle School.

The board did not take a formal vote related to arts programming at the meeting; staff said adjustments to sections at individual schools reflect enrollment changes but that district arts opportunities remain available.