Why Supporting Local High School Musical Arts Programs Matters to Me
This year, I became a proud patron of the Perrysburg High School, Lake High School, and Rossford High School Musical Arts programs.
For me, this wasn’t just a business decision — it was personal.
Before I was a senior photographer, I was a teacher. Specifically, a choir director. And long before that, I was the student who signed up for anything and everything music-related. Band. Choir. Theater. If it involved a stage, a rehearsal, or a late night performance, I was there.
The musical arts shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.
They built confidence.
They taught empathy.
They demanded teamwork.
They encouraged creativity.
They developed leadership.
When I stepped away from the classroom to focus on raising my own child and growing my family, I knew I wanted to find a way to stay connected to something that meant so much to me — both as a student and as an educator.
Sponsoring these programs felt like the right way to do that.
Living near these three school systems, I see firsthand how much time, energy, and heart goes into every production. These students rehearse for months. Directors and volunteers pour countless hours into choreography, music direction, costumes, and stage design.
Families show up night after night to support them.
The arts require commitment.
And what they give back to students is immeasurable.
As a senior photographer, I have the privilege of working with many students who are involved in musical programs. Some are choir leaders. Some are in the pit orchestra. Some live for theater rehearsals. Others shine in entirely different extracurriculars — athletics, academic clubs, leadership organizations.
What I love most during senior sessions isn’t just creating beautiful portraits. It’s hearing about what lights them up.
When a student talks about opening night.
When they tell me about their last concert.
When they’re counting down their “lasts” of senior year.
That growth — that pride — that passion — is what I try to capture.
Even though I only get a short window with them during their senior session, I genuinely care about who they are beyond the camera. I celebrate their milestones. I cheer them on. I’m proud of them when they accomplish big things — and I mean it.
Supporting local musical arts programs is one small way I can continue investing in the students and families that make our community so special.
I believe in our kids.
I believe in access to the arts.
I believe in giving back where you live and work.
And I believe that when we support the programs that shape our students, we’re helping shape confident, creative, compassionate adults.
That’s something worth investing in.
