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Student Artist of the Month: December 2017


In partnership with Forsyth County high schools and Windsor Jewelers, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to present the Student Artist of the Month.

All Forsyth County high schools (private, public, and charter) that have arts programming were invited to participate in the Student Artist of the Month program. Arts educators and administrators from each school will select one student each month for recognition based on academic rigor and artistic merit.  A variety of arts disciplines will be recognized over the course of the school year.



Ben Armentrout

Atkins Academic & Technology High School

Principal: Joe Childers

SAM Coordinator: Janet Blakely

Nominating Teacher: Justin Sumners

Arts Discipline: Music

Grade: 10

GPA/QPA: 4.0/4.5

What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love being able to jam with my fellow musicians and just make great sounds. Jazz music is definitely my favorite because it gives me more opportunity to improve and be creative.

Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend MIT and major in a math-intensive engineering.

What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is being selected to be the pianist for the Camel City Youth Jazz Orchestra.

How will the arts influence your future career? Although I will not pursue a career in music, I hope it will still continue to be a part of my life as I move on from high school.

Timmy Kammire

Bishop McGuinness High School

Principal: Tracy Shaw

Nominating Teacher: Martha Garrett

Arts Discipline: Pottery

Grade: 11

GPA/QPA: 4.3

What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? In pottery, I thoroughly enjoy how each and everyday you learn something new and are constantly challenged. The atmosphere is always enthusiastic and very lively in my class, adding to the reasons why pottery is passion of mine.