MFL MarMac Friends of the Arts a pivotal supporter of fine arts programs

By Audrey Posten | Times-Register

February is Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Month at MFL MarMac, a time to recognize the organization that supports the school’s music, theater, speech and art programs. 

Although FOTA has been around for years, it became more active in the last seven or eight, according to treasurer Megan Schellhorn. Her children were involved in fine arts programs at the time.

“There was a group of us that wanted to get it going again, and the music teachers reached out and said, ‘Hey, let's do this,’” she said. 

FOTA is the equivalent to what the athletic boosters are for sports.

“We support all of the fine arts, from band, choir and speech to the art room and the musicals. Everything under the fine arts umbrella,” Schellhorn explained.

“And I would say mainly high school,” added FOTA secretary Sophie Landt, “but we're trying to find ways to support the middle school more.”

FOTA’s support comes in the form of entry fees for speech contests, Legacy Show Choir performances and honor band and choir events. The group purchases senior spotlight banners and department awards and pins. Contributions also go toward larger equipment purchases like a speech projector, instruments and art partitions.

“Sometimes it's automatic things that we will sponsor or do, but then other times it's requests,” said Landt.

The goal is to lessen the financial burden on fine arts students and their families, as well as the music, speech, theater and art programs. 

“We just go about our work to help the kids so they can be actively doing what they need to be doing in the extracurriculars, so that the band and the choir and art and theater can continue to be fiscally sound,” Schellhorn said. “We love and have a passion for it, but you have to have the means to be able to upkeep and continue to run.”

Another way FOTA supports fine arts is through a scholarship awarded annually to a senior who’s been involved in fine arts programs throughout their high school career. Preference goes to those pursuing a career in a fine arts field or who plan to remain active in fine arts in college or in the community.

2025 MFL MarMac graduate Maria Stavroplus is a recent scholarship recipient. She said the scholarship has assisted in furthering her education at the University of Iowa. 

“The money presented to me by the FOTA committee helps pay for average college expenses such as books and supplies, but goes one step further to support my music based major. The scholarship assisted in paying for accompanists, vocal lessons and other expenses unique to students pursuing the arts. Their generosity and support is something I will always be grateful for,” she shared.

Those contributions add up. In the last fiscal year alone, FOTA cut checks for just under $10,000, according to Schellhorn.

“We're only able to do it because of the generosity of our businesses and the people of the community, because we run on donations. That's how we're supported,” she said. 

FOTA launched its business campaign—its biggest fundraiser—this month. Appeals go out to businesses within the MFL MarMac School District. Donations also come in through concessions at the winter concert and events MFL MarMac hosts, such as the Upper Iowa Conference Vocal Festival or ISHMA State Show Choir Festival. 

Time is valuable too. FOTA always welcomes volunteers willing to assist.

“Reach out to the board members and say, ‘Hey, what can we do to help?’” Schellhorn said. “And it could be anybody in the community. Somebody that just is very interested in the fine arts or music or whatever it is.” 

Anyone who is interested in getting involved can reach out to Schellhorn at megan.schellhorn@mflmm.k12.ia.us, message the MFL MarMac Friends of the Arts Facebook page or speak to a board member at a fine arts event.

MFL MarMac fine arts programs are flourishing. FOTA is proud to be part of the support system.

“It has grown tremendously, and I think it comes from community support and buy in. We have over 70 kids right now in speech. That's phenomenal for a school of our size,” Schellhorn commented. “To continue to be able to thrive, I think it's going to be important for our group, for FOTA, to continue to do what we do. Maybe not so quietly. But to be able to have some more boots on the ground, some help within, and the financial support as well.” 

Added Landt, “It’s the coaches and the directors and parents and students—everybody being so excited about the fine arts—that really has made it continue to grow and do well. You can tell the kids are very thankful for the directors, very thankful for what FOTA does and provides. But sometimes parents or community members aren’t aware of what FOTA does, so we’re hoping to get it out there.”

In high school, Stavroplus said she benefitted greatly from FOTA’s backing of art-related groups. 

“They provided support in every way you can imagine, from fundraising to cheering in the audience. You don’t see many individuals who are so dedicated to highlighting the importance of the arts in education, especially in rural areas,” she said. “MFL MarMac is blessed to have such an influential group of people fully committed to the various arts programs.”

Along with financial support or volunteerism, FOTA encourages community members to support fine arts by attending events. A calendar on the Friends of the Arts Facebook page lists all the upcoming concerts, contests and more. 

“It is just a phenomenal opportunity to see how talented our kids are and how much work our coaches and advisors put into them,” Schellhorn said.