Deniese Smith is an inexhaustible advocate for the importance of the arts in the education of young people. Since beginning her teaching career at University High School in 1968, she has nurtured generations of students and art teachers.
This year she was awarded the Arts in Education Award in 2006 from the Bloomington Area Arts Council. While she has served Bloomington High School North in numerous leadership roles over the years, arguably her most important role has been that of department chair for the Fine Arts Department, where she has vigorously defended financial support for the arts.