Hey y’all,
My good friend Gilda Stanbery, who many of you may already know is the Executive Director of the Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau, recently hosted a very special guest on her radio show: none other than Kari Buckindail. She’s the Communications and Fine Arts Center Coordinator for the Monroe County Schools and plays a vital role in helping students by strengthening the fine arts program. Our Fine Arts Center has one of the largest stages in the state and a big stage helps nurture big dreams! Dreams that Ms. Kari and her team have been helpin’ bring to life. In case you missed the radio show, I’ve got all the details right here!
Now, Ms. Kari has a mighty interestin’ story. For the past 20 years, she has been workin’ in radio and television. She’s worked at news stations in Sandersville, Milledgeville and lastly at WMAZ-TV in Macon, back in 2001. She started as an intern but worked her way up to become the executive producer of the news station. That’s impressive, y’all! And, it’s a true testament that hard work and talent pays off! After leavin’ TV, her family moved to our lovely Forsyth community and she worked at the Chamber. Then, a position as a Parent and Engagement Specialist had opened up and Ms. Kari took it. This was for the Monroe County Schools System.
From Television to Fine Arts Specialist
Last year, the opportunity to handle communication for Monroe County Schools as well as for the Fine Arts Center arose and Ms. Kari decided to take it! Although she’s only just started this role, Ms. Kari shared with Ms. Gilda that she truly loves it. She gets to see her daughter while at work and help nurture students who have a passion for the fine arts. I think Ms. Gilda said it best, that it’s a “unique position where children are at critical points in their life; where they need nurturing outside of their home.” Once kids begin goin’ to school, they spend the majority of their time learning away from home. What’s important is that there are specialists like Ms. Kari, as well as teachers, that students can lean on for guidance.
Monroe County Fine Arts Center Growth
Ms. Kari has shared with Ms. Gilda just how much the Fine Arts program has grown. For the previous school year, there were sixty five student ceremonies, eighty four student rehearsals and planning meetings, seven staff development days, five Board of Education meetings in the auditorium, three professional concerts and so much more! From the Bicentennial Car Show and Forsythia Festival Food Truck Frenzy to hosting the GHSA State One Act Competition and the American Legion State Oratorical competition, the Fine Arts Center has been busy! Ms. Kari put it into perspective by sharin’ that when she added up all of the events and meetings it was 187. There are only 180 days in a school year! Another exciting event from this past year was Tyler McKenzie, a current company member of the Hamilton tour, taught a master class for high school and middle school thespians. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I think we can all agree that the program is truly flourishing with Ms. Kari and her team.
Looking Forward to the Future
Let’s get into what’s comin’ up for the Fine Arts program so y’all can start coordinatin’ your calendars. Ms. Kari shared that all school night events will be held at 6 p.m. this year. One of the upcoming performances includes Little Shop of Horrors for the high school one act competition show. The middle school will be doing Newsies for their show. As for the elementary students, they’re putting on Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and the Little Mermaid. Those are definitely can’t miss shows! For a full breakdown of the center’s upcoming shows and ticket information, you can visit their website.
Listening to Ms. Gilda and Ms. Kari talk about the Fine Arts program and all that the students have accomplished was a thrill! For those who want to listen to the radio show, click the link below. While you’re here, check out some of our other fine stories on our website. You’ll also learn more about our wonderful community.
