Forsyth Central High School has received the Ray Horne Award for state Class AAAA schools for a second year in a row.

The fine arts honor, named after a Warner Robins drama teacher, came as a surprise to Central Principal Rudy Hampton, who discovered the trophy in the mail Monday.

“It’s exciting for our program and for the hard work that our teachers and students have put into fine arts,” Hampton said. “That’s something that we emphasize a great deal at Central.”

The Georgia High School Association selects one school from each of its five classifications for the annual award. Areas considered include one act play, debate and literary.

The students participate in contests throughout the school year that earn points toward determining the award winner, Hampton said.

The literary category includes singing from both the chorus and drama programs, dramatic interpretation and extemporaneous speaking, all of which
Hampton said allow students from many different strengths to shine.

The principal added that he believes the fine arts program creates more well-rounded students.

“Central, for a long time, has had a tradition of excellence in fine arts,” Hampton said. “For [the students], it’s a culmination of the years and years that have come before them, but also the hard work that the students have put in.”

Drama teacher Yatesy Harvey, who is retiring at the end of this school year, agreed Central has created a “living legacy for fine arts.”

She applauded the students’ talent and effort in winning the honor.

Harvey also had a message for Central and the county’s other high schools on behalf of herself and chorus teacher Janet Stage, who is moving to another state after this school year.

“Please don’t let the arts die in this county,” Harvey said. “We’ve worked too hard.”