FLORENCE, Ala. — The Florence Academy of Fine Arts is wrapping up a year-long celebration commemorating ten years of existence. Florence Mayor Andy Betterton issued a proclamation at the May 16 city council meeting to honor the milestone anniversary, announcing May as Florence Academy of Fine Arts Month.

The proclamation reads as follows:

THE CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Florence Academy of Fine Arts was organized and established in 2013 and has grown to be one of the most outstanding Fine Arts programs in the State. This Academy services all surrounding counties and cities in the North Alabama, South Tennessee and East Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Academy is celebrating 10 years of consistent growth starting with approximately 1,000 students from 9th to 12th grades to over 2,500 students in the 5th to 12th grades today; and

WHEREAS, the Administrators and teachers are to be highly commended for their foresight and wisdom for recognizing the tremendous educational opportunity for Florence within this historically Arts community; and

WHEREAS, the students of Florence City Schools are to be highly praised for their work ethic and desire to live their dreams. They are the success of the Florence Academy of Fine Arts; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Andrew Betterton, Mayor of the City of Florence, Alabama, and on behalf of the Florence City Council and our citizens, do hereby take great pleasure in proclaiming

FLORENCE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS MONTH

which in turn coincides with the completion of ten successful years as the “Light on the Hill” for Fine Arts in Alabama. I do further extend my highest commendation to the administrators, teachers, students and parents from Florence and the surrounding areas who have worked diligently to encourage the spread of the Arts throughout our community and state.