To the Editor:

The Allentown School District announced they may be cutting around 150 teaching positions due to deficits; 21 of those positions alone would be in arts, practically eliminating the arts from the district.

Arts play such a huge role in schools, and I fear with the current state of finances in schools, Allentown won't be the only district looking to cut arts as a solution to financial problems.

As a student involved in music, theater and visual art, I can personally vouch for the importance of the arts. They are an outlet for students' energy and creativity, especially after focusing for so long in core classes.

Students involved in the arts often have better test scores and grades according to a study done by the U.S. Department of Education. The arts are even career options, and I thought that one purpose of high school was to prepare students for their futures.

On Mother's Day in Miller Symphony Hall, my mom, sister and I saw Straight No Chaser, a male a cappella group that chose the arts as a career. They held a collection for art programs in both the Allentown and Easton school districts because two of their members originated from those very school districts. Imagine if those two hadn't been exposed to the arts in school.

That very possibility is what could happen to many students. The arts are such a vital part of so many students' lives. Taking the arts away would be taking away their opportunity to shine.

Nicki Zelenak

Emmaus High School