Tonight, my daughters and I sat in the theater at Heritage High School and watched a group of talented students bring Seussical Jr. to life. From Horton’s earnest heart to the Cat in the Hat’s playful chaos, the cast poured themselves into every line, every song, and every moment. It was joyful, funny, and deeply moving—not just because of the performance, but because of what it represents.

This wasn’t just a play. It was a reminder of why the arts matter.

In a time when funding for school and community arts programs is shrinking, nights like this feel even more important. As Hitchens (2025) explains, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) abruptly ended hundreds of grants earlier this year, leaving local organizations scrambling to stay afloat. Public schools, too, are feeling the squeeze. Despite being recognized as part of a “well-rounded education” under federal law, arts programs are often the first to go when budgets tighten. (National Association for Music Education [NAfME], 2023)

But what we saw tonight at Heritage proved that the arts are not just a luxury—they are a lifeline. They give students a voice, a stage, and a community. They teach collaboration, confidence, and creativity. They invite families to gather, celebrate, and experience something together.

_{The Young Kangeroo with Caroline and Julie.}

I’ve seen this firsthand during my student teaching at Heritage. The chorus, band, and theater programs are lively and full of passion. The staff and students work tirelessly to put on these productions, often with limited resources and behind-the-scenes effort. And yet, they shine.

Beyond the school walls, local arts organizations—city orchestras, opera companies, community theaters—face similar challenges. They depend on public support, volunteers, and donations to continue. When we show up, buy a ticket, or clap from the audience, we’re not just enjoying a show. We’re investing in the heart of our community.

So tonight, as Horton reminded us that “a person’s a person, no matter how small,” I thought about how every student, performer, and artist deserves to be seen and heard. Supporting the arts isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about education, equity, and empathy.

Let’s continue showing up. Let’s keep applauding. Let’s persist in fighting for the arts.

References:

Hitchens, H. A. (2025, June 3). NEA slashes arts funding, threatening local cultural lifelines. Observer. https://observer.com/2025/06/arts-funding-cuts-nea-economic-cultural-cost/

National Association for Music Education. (2023, November). The impact of federal funds on music & arts education: Results from 2023 survey. https://nafme.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/November-2023-Federal-Funds-Issue-Brief-Arts-Advocates.pdf