Watertown High School junior Maggie M. Ackerman is already a published author.

An article she wrote titled “Canceling of the arts programs must stop” for the student newspaper was published in the April 23 New York State School Board Association newsletter.

In her story, Miss Ackerman writes how the issue of removing the arts to stay within budget is personal for her as an art student.

“Art is everywhere and necessary for daily life; therefore, it should be necessary in school,” she wrote. “These classes are often the reason many stay in or even go to school.”

She urges the school board to consider the importance of art programs before cutting them.

According to the article, Miss Ackerman was crowned Outstanding Teen at the Miss Thousand Islands pageant.

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