Boyle County Schools recently hired two certified teachers to fill new positions within its Arts Academy. Katie Palmer will join the faculty as certified teacher—dance, and Scott Walker will serve as certified teacher—vocal music/choir. They were introduced during Thursday’s induction ceremony for the inaugural class of the Arts Academy.

Palmer comes to Boyle County from Toliver Intermediate, where she served as dance and theatre instructor since 2018. Prior to that, she was a classroom teacher at Toliver for seven years. Palmer’s dance experience also includes having been the hip hop instructor at Danville Dance Academy, the choreographer for Centre College and a Wildcat Danzer at the University of Kentucky. She holds a BS from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Education from Asbury University.

Walker comes to Boyle County from Danville Independent Schools, where he served as choir director for Danville High School and John W. Bate Middle School since 2017. Prior to that, he was a technology integration specialist for Danville Schools. Walker holds a BA from Campbellsville University and a Masters in Education Technology from Morehead State University.

Boyle County Schools welcomed 194 students into the inaugural class of the Boyle County Arts Academy on Thursday, May 12. Launched this spring, the Arts Academy offers drama, dance, instrumental and vocal music, art, technical theater and promotional media courses, intensive training and more. Admission is available to 5th-12th grade students at all five district schools through auditions. The induction ceremony was held at the Boyle County Performing Arts Center.

Also recognized during the event were the 46 students who, under the guidance of Boyle County High School art teacher Carrie Snow, contributed to the permanent art installation in the Performing Arts Center lobby, as well as the 45 students whose works of art were selected to be on temporary display this spring.

The permanent art installation, “The Colors of Kentucky,” was made possible through a grant awarded by the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County’s Louise Wilkinson Fund. The work consists of hand-dyed silk chandeliers with images that represent the state of Kentucky. The wooden bases on which the banners hang were constructed of hoops from Perryville Elementary School, previously used for the annual Pioneer Days Festival.

The temporary art show, “The Best of Boyle,” will be on display through the end of the school year. The lobby of the Performing Arts Center is used as a gallery space for rotating student art exhibits.

About Boyle County Arts Academy

Boyle County Arts Academy is on a mission to foster artistic talent in Boyle County students by offering targeted training and opportunities within a creative environment, thereby preparing them for higher education and professions in the arts. The Arts Academy is open to all students in grades 5-12 through audition and offers music, art, dance, drama and digital/media art courses. Visit boyle.kyschools.us for more information.