By Kevin Shannahan

The School of Fine Arts, hosted by L.P. Vaughn School held a fundraising 5K race Nov. 19 on the NSU campus. Twenty-five runners from the community enjoyed a run through NSU’s picturesque campus in perfect running weather. The School of Fine Arts is hosted by L.P. Vaughn, but is open to students from any school in the parish. It currently serves approximately 45 young musicians, singers and artists. The school is in its third year under the direction of L.P. Vaughn music teacher and founder Danny Von Kanel. The school teaches art, keyboard, drama, guitar, voice, piano, flute, trombone, trumpet, oboe, clarinet and violin. The courses are taught by local musicians and NSU students.

After the run, L.P. Vaughn hosted a fundraiser lunch at the school. The speaker was David Pickler, an attorney, businessman and longtime school board member and public school supporter from Memphis, Tenn. He spoke movingly about the role of public education in American society. Natchitoches Parish School Board members Steven Harris, Rhonda Guidroz, Emile Metoyer, Ralph Wilson and Joella Wilson joined Mayor Lee Posey in supporting the event. The event was also supported by NSU Greek and community organizations.