Shelley J. (Bushong) Clark was named as winner of the 2020 Award of Merit by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Council for Art Education for her work with youth art education.

Clark has taught visual arts for Warren County Schools for more than 25 years in various levels. She currently is teaching at Briarwood Elementary and Richardsville Elementary.

At the 2021 NAEA national convention in March, Clark also received the NAEA Leadership Award in recognition of her exemplary professional service the past two years as the southeast elementary director for her 10-state region.

“The arts are a safe, emotional and positive outlet for feelings, thoughts and expression where students’ answers do not always have to match their peers,” Clark said. “The arts teach students to celebrate, challenge and respect their differences while problem solving and sharing what they think and feel.”