“Even if they could only bring one can,” says sixth-grade teacher Carie Furlow, “they brought it with love and pride.”

“Our goal,” says Fine Arts Chair J.T. Lewis, “is to make a place where everyone feels accepted. When students feel safe, creativity explodes.”

“We’re not just playing chess. We’re representing Herrin — and showing that we can compete with anyone.”

“This is my favorite part—beginner band,” says director Becky Lewis. “I love that light-bulb moment: ‘Hey, I can be good at this.’”

“Every time I come here,” says Oliver Lewis, “I feel like I’m home.”

“We’re here to make good humans.” — Stephanie Allen

“After all these years, I get to help prepare the students who might someday fill the very role I’ve loved.” – Amanda Hickman

“Band is something you can do for a lifetime. It becomes part of who you are.” - Allison Grace

“We used to sit at our own table at lunch, but now we don’t have our own table anymore — because we’re sitting with everyone else.”

“It wasn’t just about painting. “The kids had to learn they were giving their pumpkins away — that someone else would get to enjoy them.”

“You can’t control the last shot, you can only focus on the next one.”