High School hires alumnus to teach performing arts
Rappahannock County Public Schools welcomed former student Henry Mason as a full-time faculty member earlier this week. A graduate of Rappahannock County High School and Virginia Tech, Mason will serve as the new Performing Arts Facilitator, which is a new, grant-funded position to promote fine arts. He will also serve as the high school’s drama coach.
Mason brings extensive experience from his time at Virginia Tech, having participated in musical theater as an actor and singer as well as performing five years in the university’s premier A Cappella group, Juxtaposition. This competitive, award-winning, all-male A Cappella group was featured on the Best of College A Cappella Album and played gigs throughout the Tri-State area. During this time, Henry was featured in a lead vocal role. After graduation, he focused on songwriting before returning home.
“I really believe in what the school and community did for me (as a student),” he said. “This type of place, a small town, is so enriching for the body, mind, and soul.”
And now that he has been presented with a unique opportunity to give back to his high school, he is thrilled to share his talents and expertise to make a difference for the county's students. “I am passionate about making this a great experience for the students,” Henry said in an interview.
Mason will draw from his experiences to further reinvigorate the schools’ performing arts program through establishing vocal opportunities, theater, drama, improv, and support for band and music. In addition to re-launching school musical productions, the schools’ will explore the possibility and feasibility of offering a Fine Arts Academy, similar to the successful Health Sciences and Agriculture academies.
— Holly Jenkins, RCPS public relations
& digital communications officer