• Article Photo. Left to Right: Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent, Eric Upmeyer and Bob Fischer presenting checks and Le Cox, School Board Member
    Left to Right: Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent, Eric Upmeyer and Bob Fischer presenting checks and Le Cox, School Board Member


The spotlight shone a little brighter for Vinton-Shellsburg students this week, thanks to a generous gift from a group that has spent nearly two decades quietly supporting the arts behind the scenes.

During Tuesday evening's meeting, the Vinton-Shellsburg Fine Arts Century Club presented a $15,000 donation to the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District to help fund needed lighting and sound improvements in the high school auditorium. The contribution will help ensure that student performances can be seen and heard at their very best for years to come.

Since its founding in 2007, the Fine Arts Century Club has worked to strengthen and support the district's fine arts programs. Through the generosity of local donors, the organization provides resources and opportunities for students involved in band, choir, speech, debate, drama, and visual arts.

The club's mission is simple: invest in students and their creativity. Every dollar raised is directed back into fine arts programs, helping meet the changing needs of both students and instructors.

The impact of those investments can be seen throughout the district. Over the years, Century Club donations have helped purchase, restore, tune, and maintain a grand piano; contributed $15,000 toward new band uniforms and another $15,000 toward choir robes; and provided $6,000 in scholarships to help band and choir students participate in a performance trip to Orlando, Florida.

The organization has also provided annual support to each of the district's six fine arts programs, purchased a full set of African drums, assisted All-State music participants, supported speech and debate competitions, helped fund drama productions, and expanded opportunities for visual arts students through supplies, tours, and educational experiences.

Perhaps most importantly, the Century Club has helped ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in meaningful cultural and educational opportunities.

Membership in the organization is available through a $100 contribution, which includes voting privileges and a complimentary pass to fine arts events throughout the year. Donations of any amount are welcomed, and all supporters are recognized at fine arts events.

The latest gift serves as another reminder of the strong community support behind the arts in Vinton-Shellsburg. While audiences often see the performers on stage, it is organizations like the Fine Arts Century Club that help make those performances possible.

With improved lighting and sound on the way, future concerts, plays, speeches, and performances will continue to inspire audiences and showcase the talents of Vinton-Shellsburg students. And thanks to the dedication of Century Club members and donors, the arts will remain a vibrant part of the educational experience for generations to come.