Heart of the Arts Section Winner Overcomes Many Home Challenges

Cory Bergh, a student at Deming (Washington) Mount Baker High School, has been selected the 2015 Section 8 recipient of the "National High School Heart of the Arts Award" by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The National High School Heart of the Arts Award was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based activities. This is the second year that the National High School Heart of the Arts Award has been offered.

In spite of dealing with challenging circumstances at home, Bergh has excelled in the performing arts, athletics and academics.

Among those challenges, Bergh’s father is disabled, and he has had to overcome many hardships related to choices his parents made. As a result, Bergh has spent time living with his grandparents and relies on the support of an older brother for many of his financial needs.

A junior who plays football and basketball, Bergh sings in the school choir and is choir council vice president. During his sophomore year, Bergh was selected through audition to be a member of the American Choir Directors Association All-Northwest Honor Choir, which is composed of students from the six-state region.

Bergh, who maintains a 3.6 grade-point average while taking honors classes, is part of a peer mentor program in which he works with freshmen to help them achieve a successful transition to high school. In addition, Bergh has been recognized by Mount Baker High School’s monthly P.R.I.D.E. program (Performance through Preparation, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence through Effort).

According to Mount Baker faculty, Bergh is a model student who is attentive, works hard, leads by example, is humble, and takes responsibility for his actions in both choir and athletics. He has also been recognized for his outstanding work ethic and continual striving for excellence.

About the Award

The NFHS divides the nation into eight geographical sections. The states in Section 8 are Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming.

Nominations for this award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS Heart of the Arts Award Selection Committee composed of state association staff members.

While the national winner will be recognized June 29 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, the section winners will be recognized within their respective states and will receive awards before the end of the current school year.