'Incredible' number of national awards by Bob Jones art students reflects passion of teachers and an 'exceptional methodology'

MADISON - Melissa Hughey may frustrate the "living daylights" out of her art students by making them think their way through problems and questions.

But the result is that Hughey and the art program at Bob Jones High School has been honored as best in the nation for the second year in a row.

"It's a testament to the kids and how hard they and the whole teaching staff works," Hughey said of receiving the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers Gold Apple Teacher Award in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2008.

"Melissa Hughey is one of those teachers who clearly has exceptional students and an exceptional teaching methodology," said Kat Hendrix, manager of the regional affiliate network for the Scholastic program.

She also won the award in 2007. Hendrix said to her knowledge, it's the first time a teacher has won back-to-back awards. However, it hasn't gone to Hughey's head - proving that she practices what she teaches.

"I stood there and laughed because I couldn't believe it," Hughey said of opening the award letter last month. "Really, it's a once in a lifetime thing for the average person who teaches 25 years, so to get it last year and now this year is just almost unbelievable."

On top of that, the Alabama Department of Education has commissioned a longevity study of the fine arts program at Bob Jones because it started with nothing 22 years ago and now has nationally recognized programs in art, band, chorus and drama.

'Awesome' work

Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker said although he has no art talent, he's known for a long time what an "awesome body of work" the students produce.

"I can look at it and know that it is amazing," Parker said.

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