The high school hosted its ninth annual Arts and Technology Fair to show off the creative achievements of students throughout the district on Wednesday evening.

The fair took place in the gym, which was converted into a gallery space with sections for each genre of art as well as special exhibits in the center for seniors to showcase their work. Almost every open spot in the gym was covered in art, allowing the community to see the magnitude and importance of the district’s arts program.

Drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, woodwork, metalwork, video, sculpture and other mediums were represented at the fair.

Senior Erin McNeal enjoyed the opportunity to display her art.

“I’m excited and so blessed to have a senior show,” said McNeal. “After all these years, my art has accumulated into something worthwhile. It’s really inspiring to see everyone’s work.”

Senior Mollie Larum also felt like the fair was a worthwhile experience.

“Seeing all the senior shows as a freshman, I knew that was what I wanted,” said Larum. “I’m relieved this show is finally happening. Everything I’ve done over the years is being seen … As an artist, [I] worry people don’t notice what [I] do. I’m finally being recognized tonight.”

All night, students and community members packed into the crowded room to get a look at the huge portraits and the tiny details alike.

Junior Hannah Stewart was amazed at what she saw at the show.

“I think the show is really nice. I have quite a few friends with work in the show, so I’m really happy to see them being recognized,” said Stewart.

Freshman Kaleb Fair was similarly impressed.

“It’s a true testament to how talented [Susquehannock’s] students can be,” said Fair.

The fair also showcased a select group of band members who offered music and a complete atmosphere to the evening.

Electronic Arts teacher Wade Bowers was thrilled with the event.

“The fair went really well. We didn’t have the same amount of participation as last year, but the students this year had more depth, quality and production,” said Bowers.

The periphery of the gym was filled with work by juniors, sophomores, freshmen and younger students. Boards filled with paintings, photos, and logos drew attention from visitors. A special section for wood and metal projects highlighted the technology section of the arts.

Senior Brandi Bradford was happy to have her work seen and appreciated by the crowds on Wednesday.

“I spent four years working up to this,” said Bradford. “Having this show, I can see what I struggled with and what I excelled at, and other people can see that too.”

The Arts and Technology Fair is such a success every year because it offers an opportunity for a different set of students to be recognized by the community. Students who spend their time in a darkroom or a smock can show off their talents and receive the same recognition as athletes do at the fair.

Larum thinks of the fair as an important way to display the amount of artistic talent at Susquehannock.

“I feel like the arts department isn’t given enough credit,” said Larum. “Tonight, [we’re] finally being recognized.”

The strong attendance at Wednesday’s event illustrates just how important and successful the arts department is to high school students and the entire district.

Bowers couldn’t be more happy with the continued success of the fair.

“The math department is measured in testing. This is where we’re tested,” said Bowers. “Students display their highest-quality pieces. They can show off what they’ve learned.”