On Saturday, October 19, 2019, members of the Highland community gathered in the Highland Center for the Arts for a gala celebration. The red carpet event commemorated the 15th anniversary of the state-of-the-art facility while also recognizing the long-term impact that the gift from Paul and Gina Rice has had on the school, and the leadership and commitment of Michael A. Hughes, Highland's long-time Artistic Director.

When hired, the artistic director for the new Center for the Arts at Highland School, Mike Hughes never dreamed the facility would one day bear his name. But 15 successful years later, that's what happened.

"To say that this is a great honor is a major understatement. Never in my greatest leaps of the imagination did I ever consider anything like this," said Hughes as he stood in front of more than 300 people to accept the honor.

A Most Generous Gift

An epic celebration held on October 19, 2019, honoring Hughes, the Rice Family, and commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Center for the Arts. The crowd enjoyed performances by current student Collette Semon '22 and alumni Sawyer Long '17, Andrew Norman '14, Mimi Robinson '14, Ryan Rolle '19, and Georgia Scarbough '18. There was laughter, there were tears, and the celebration rolled along, reminding everyone what the facility and its programs mean to our community. Grown out of a vision of Paul and Gina Rice in the early 2000s, the newly-named Michael A. Hughes Center for the Arts offers many enticing teaching and performance opportunities. The Rice Theater is a state-of-the-art performance space that hosts a wide variety of school and community events throughout the academic year. Additionally, the 60-seat Lise Hicklin Black Box theater is home to monthly coffeehouse performances that give Upper School students a chance to perform in front of a supportive audience of their peers.

"Many years ago, we began looking at what we could do to help Highland," said Paul Rice. "It had been a spectacular place for our kids, and we felt like giving back was a very appropriate way to recognize that. So much of the Highland experience has to do with learning confidence and helping kids express themselves, and the arts program was always a great way to build that in kids."

A Most Generous Spirit

As the space has grown and transformed, one thing remains constant, and that is the value it brings to Highland School and the broader community. "When you see a facility like this and what it enables, as you sit where I sit, you think of all the things from which the students will benefit," said Head of School Hank Berg. "The Center for the Arts sets this school apart. Mike has a gift of spirit and love of life and a love of working with kids that sets him apart as well. He is always looking ahead, and ultimately the gift he brings to this program is just a remarkable thing to see."

"For our family, it was an epic evening of reconnecting with the Highland community, and celebrating the transformational impact that the arts and inspirational teaching can have on kids," said Rice. "It is truly remarkable to see the progression of the program under Mike's leadership. The legacy he has developed will continue to propel Highland forward for generations; it's fitting the arts center bear his name."

As the evening drew to a close, Hughes reflected on a moment that solidified the beginning of this journey and will likely guide him through many more. "I must take a moment to thank a gentleman who, while no longer with us, had a tremendous influence on my wife and me. He is one of the main reasons I am here today. Diane's drama professor at Mary Baldwin College, who was a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Fletcher "Fletch" Collins."

"When David Plank offered me the position here at Highland School, I was unsure of what to do," Mr. Hughes continued. "I was content with the job I had at that time, and the new opportunity seemed like a giant leap into the unknown. My wife Diane said to me, "call Fletch and see what he thinks. He'll tell you the truth." As I had learned over the years, my wife comes up with pretty good ideas, so I called him on the phone to get his thoughts. We chatted back and forth, going over the pros and cons of the position and what it might mean both personally and professionally. He ended the conversation with, and I quote, "if you like the status quo, stay where you are; if you are willing to take a chance to grow and leave a mark, then take the job. Even if you fail, you will always know that at least you tried." I called Plank the next day and told him that he had a new Artistic Director."

"Mike Hughes is Highland Arts in our experience," said current parent Jeff Sabol. "I know that others have gone before, and we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Right now, Mike is our giant."