Harlan County Teens Lament Lack of Arts Resources

High school students call for more funding and support for music, visual arts, and theater programs in their community.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:48pm

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Skylar Rutherford, a freshman at Harlan County High School, has observed that the arts are being neglected in their small town community. The county's public schools are not providing sufficient resources and support for music, visual arts, and theater programs, leaving students with limited opportunities to explore their creative talents. Rutherford argues that the arts are vital for personal expression and development, and the lack of investment in these programs is concerning for the future of the community.

Why it matters

The arts play a crucial role in fostering well-rounded, open-minded, and expressive individuals. However, Harlan County's geographic isolation and adherence to traditional customs may be contributing to a decline in artistic opportunities, especially for young people. Without avenues to explore their creativity, the community risks becoming more isolated and losing its ability to dream and innovate.

The details

Rutherford notes that Harlan County High School is the only public school in the county with a choir program, leaving elementary students with little access to vocal music education. The school's band program is also struggling, with small ensembles that are often ridiculed by peers. In the visual arts, students are consistently surprised by their own artistic potential due to the limited exposure and experience they've had in the past. The high school's theater department also faces challenges, with outdated equipment and limited funding, preventing the program from reaching its full potential.

  • Rutherford has recently observed the decline of arts programs in the community.

The players

Skylar Rutherford

A freshman at Harlan County High School who has observed the neglect of arts programs in the community.

Heidi Abraham

A music teacher at Harlan County High School who has noticed young band students being ridiculed or bullied by their peers due to their uncommon and sidelined interests.

Paige Lunsford

An art teacher at Harlan County High School who has witnessed students being constantly surprised by their artistic potential due to the limited exposure and experience they've had in the past.

Jennifier Freyer

The theater director at Harlan County High School who has repeatedly brought up the need for more resources and funding for the drama department, which has an outdated auditorium and dysfunctional equipment.

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What they’re saying

“Could you envision humanity without the humanities? It's a colorless, tragic world, yet one not far from reality.”

— Skylar Rutherford, Freshman, Harlan County High School

“Students are constantly shocked by their artistic potential due to how little exposure and experience they'd had in the past. Even other teachers don't anticipate the vision that said students showcase.”

— Paige Lunsford, Art Teacher, Harlan County High School

“Theater is such a vast realm of creative opportunity, and Harlan County Public Schools administration shows such little concern for that.”

— Jennifier Freyer, Theater Director, Harlan County High School

The takeaway

The neglect of arts programs in Harlan County's public schools is a concerning issue that could lead to a more isolated and creatively stifled community. Investing in music, visual arts, and theater programs is crucial for nurturing well-rounded, expressive, and innovative young people who can help the community thrive.