Stewarts Creek fine arts instructor Donald Fann wins teacher award

By KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT

Rutherford County Schools

In only its third year of existence, Stewarts Creek fine arts instructor Donald Fann was chosen as this year’s Governor's School for the Arts Teacher of the Year, which annually recognizes one fine arts teacher from the state of Tennessee for their outstanding contribution to arts education.

“This is an incredible honor,” said Fann, who accepted the award in late June at a ceremony held in the Tucker Auditorium on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

Fann was accompanied by 11 Stewarts Creek students, who were among more than 1,000 students vying for 360 scholarships to participate in the exclusive program.

A total of 33 students from seven high schools – Central Magnet (7), Blackman (4), Siegel (4), Oakland (3), Riverdale (2), Eagleville (2) and Stewarts Creek (11) – represented Rutherford County Schools.

Each year thousands of students compete to participate in the four-week residency summer program for high school students gifted in music, visual art, theatre, dance and film-making.

Fann gave credit for his achievement to the fine arts students of Stewarts Creeks by noting that it’s “a testament to (their) hard work.”

“Governor’s School has been a transformative learning experience for every student that I’ve been involved with,” Fann said.