Meet LPS Focus Program Scholar: Cherish, Arts and Humanities

December 6, 2024

Lincoln Public Schools Focus Programs are a customized high school experience rooted in connection and opportunities. 

LPS offers our scholars - like Lincoln High senior Cherish - almost a dozen focus programs to experience. 

Cherish is a part of the Arts and Humanities Focus Program – the school district’s second-oldest focus program. Her eighth grade art teacher encouraged her to join the program to explore her love for art further after noticing the young artist’s talent in adapting and learning new media.

Read more about Cherish’s Arts and Humanities experience in this Q&A as she is one of our featured Focus Program Scholars.   

 

Name: Cherish 

Home High School: Lincoln High School 

Grade: 12

Focus Program: Arts and Humanities 

Why did you choose the Arts and Humanities Focus Program?

I first heard about the Arts and Humanities Focus Program in the eighth grade. I didn’t know what it was, but it had “art” in the name, so I applied. I really love art, so discovering a place focused on it immediately gained my attention.

What do you like most about the Arts and Humanities Focus Program?

I like the activities and field trips we take. I’ve experienced far more than the average high schooler, and I have Arts and Humanities to thank for that. Also, I love the teachers.

What makes the Arts and Humanities Focus Program different?

I’d fight to say the community is what makes A&H different. Lots of us here have similar beliefs, goals, hobbies and behaviors. Most of us here relate to one another, and I like to think that we are open-minded as well, allowing us to stray out of what is considered “the norm.” The way we behave here and the things we love to chat about are things that others may find different and unique. We bond over trivial things, and that's what makes us.

How do you get to explore your passions or interests at the Arts and Humanities Focus Program?  

For the most part, I focus mainly on art. No pun intended. The classes I’ve been able to take are far longer and more diverse in terms of what I am able to study and experiment with. I’ve been able to expand my knowledge on artistic forms and master certain parts of them. Not only that, but I am the chief editor of our newspaper and one of the main students who advocated for things that have now shaped Arts as a whole. I have taken on a leadership role in many forms at this school over the four years that I’ve been here, and that’s allowed me to learn a ton about working with a variety of different personalities.

How has attending the Arts and Humanities Focus Program empowered you as a student?

Well, coming back to my leadership roles, I’ve been able to see the impact I can have on a place. This student feature is just another example of the opportunities I’ve been given that empower me both academically and socially. In short, Arts and Humanities has led me to feel important and taught me what to do with that feeling of importance.

What are your relationships with other students and staff like within the Arts and Humanities Focus Program?

I tend to get along with the majority of the students at Arts and Humanities. My role in the community leaves me front and center to many things, so I try my hardest to make the most of every person in ways that are respectful to them. As far as the staff go, I have an incredible relationship with most members of the staff. I absolutely love Mrs. Halsey, Ms. Leidholt and Ms. Overstreet. They challenge my critical thinking and help me be the best version of myself.

How has being a part of a LPS Focus Program added to your high school experience? 

At first, I used to think that it took away from my high school experience. However, with the years that have passed, I’ve realized just how many experiences it's added to my high school life. The humanities experience of Arts is the main source to the additional opportunities that have added to my experience. Our humanities class allows us an insight to local events, history and beyond. The smaller community also allows me to bond with and relate to people on a deeper level.

How has the Arts and Humanities Focus Program prepared you for the future?

Arts and Humanities has helped me see the options I have to take in the future and specifically helped me better my passions. I am far better at working with people, both as a leader and coworker, I can plan events and I can advocate for change. Of course, I am better at art as well. Therefore, if I were to pursue an art career, I’d be better off.

Why are focus programs like the Arts and Humanities Focus Program important to high school students?

It’s hard to pinpoint specific reasons because there are so many. At A&H, we are able to interact with local communities, learn and study the human experience and develop our artistic skills. Going hand-in-hand with other focus programs, we are all on a far more widened scope than home high schools. Focus programs are smaller and more focused, which is a great learning environment for most students.

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned since attending the Arts and Humanities Focus Program? 

I’ve learned so much patience. Upon first arriving, I was very stuck in my ways with specific expectations of people. I am still very much like that, but my patience has heightened tenfold. I am able to listen, wait, explain, and walk away from and walk in situations that make me uncomfortable. Many students have expressed their envy of my character because of my honesty and ability to say what needs to be said. 

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the Arts and Humanities Focus Program by visiting its website at https://arts.lps.org/.

Don’t forget also to explore LPS Focus Programs at home.lps.org/focus.

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