Senior Ying Zhou’s painting London Normal Day will be bought by the school district and awarded to Jennifer Fox as a gift for Fox’s reception of this year’s Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award. Fox selected the painting from the AP Art Show.

The Arthur Hecht Award is presented annually “to individuals who have volunteered their efforts over a period of time and made a difference because of their involvement and commitment to Piedmont’s youth,” according to a press release about Fox’s reception of the award.

Both Fox and Zhou will be honored on May 13 at the beginning of the Board of Education meeting on the same date. Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Sandy Spiker said that it will be a special ceremony, as Arthur Hecht’s son and granddaughters, as well as past honorees, will be in attendance.

From Zhou’s perspective, having her work selected is a great honor.

“I’m happy that someone loves my artwork. It means that they have the same feelings as me,” Zhou said.

Art teacher Gillian Bailey said it is a “celebratory experience” for her AP students.

“I think it is a wonderful connection to the community,” Bailey said. “It gives AP students the experience of having work purchased.”

Fox selected London Normal Day because Zhou’s colors, as well as her philosophy, “resonated” with her.

“As an artist, I look for inspiration in those around me,” Fox said. “Ying posted a description near er work saying ‘I hide the musical notes to let people try to find them, representing how people miss the details from their lives.’ Love that.”

Fox’s own photography tag line is “capturing the moment.”

“It’s about appreciating the beauty around and within,” Fox said.

Fox, who has  photographed countless Piedmont events including the Fourth of July parades, football and lacrosse games, PHS homecomings and debate team tournaments, was praised in the press release for her contribution of “her vibrant beautiful photographs that tell the story of our schools and our community.”

Since 1998, the award has been given out in honor of Hecht, who served on the Board of Education from 1970-1982 and was extremely active at MHS (then called the Piedmont Continuation High School), Spiker said.

Spiker said that she believes the award is important.

“The excellence of the schools in Piedmont is due to the support of the entire community,” Spiker said. “The fundraising and extra money provided to the schools is important, but what really sets the Piedmont school district apart is the number of committed volunteers who give of themselves to support students in many many ways.”

Spiker said the expression of gratitude is a necessary gesture.

“I think continuing the tradition of honoring a volunteer, one nominated by and from the community, is a beautiful way of saying, ‘We don’t take your support and hard work for granted; we rely on all the many volunteers for their countless contributions and we chose to honor one of you,’” Spiker said.