Richland School District Two highlights student Fine Arts achievements, including national recognitions

Lisa Rayner, introduced to the committee by the chair, briefed trustees on second-semester Fine Arts accomplishments at the May 22 Richland School District Two academics committee meeting.

Rayner said the district has multiple “firsts” to celebrate, citing elementary music teacher Ashley Cobb’s national honors: “She has been named a Yamaha 40 Under 40 music teacher for doing outstanding work across the nation,” Rayner said, and added that Cobb is a 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award quarter‑finalist. Rayner also highlighted student recognition: Spring Valley senior Jason Pei’s submissions advanced from regional Scholastic Art Awards to a national exhibit in New York, and Blythewood senior Ayanna Howell had work juried into a National Art Honor Society exhibition.

Rayner pointed to ensemble and adjudication successes as evidence of program strength. Blythewood High earned Outstanding Performance awards in band, orchestra and chorus; Rayner said four Blythewood orchestra ensembles earned “superior with distinction” ratings at Concert Performance Assessment, including one entirely student‑led ensemble.

The chair told the committee the fine‑arts summary would be included in the May board brief. Trustees and staff framed the highlights as part of a broader instructional strategy that has reengaged teachers and community partners, noting plans for future collaborations with the Lake Marie Symphony and the district planetarium.

The district will present these highlights in written form at an upcoming board meeting and has added them to the board brief for public record.