David Quackenbush is Lead Teacher at the High School Learning Center (HSLC) in the Corning-Painted Post School District and the students are his top priority.  Quackenbush’s commitment to the arts is evidenced by his long and fruitful collaboration with the Rockwell Museum. For instance, he helped establish Masks, Music, Movement & Monologues in 2004 to provide an opportunity for students to learn from teaching artists and musicians. As part of this multi-faceted program, Quackenbush forms and leads a band made entirely of HSLC students. Rehearsals are held at his home and the students use his instruments. In 2008, Quackenbush collaborated with the Rockwell Museum to create the Alley Art Project, which aids in creating a thriving public arts scene in downtown Corning. Quackenbush attends the mural classes, assists in the painting, and collaborates with city administrators and guest artists, all of which take him well beyond work hours. In 2017, Quackenbush worked with the Rockwell Museum and the Smithsonian to include HSLC students on the Smithsonian Secretary’s Youth Advisory Council. The program connected HSLC students with other students around the nation who provided advice to the Smithsonian from a youth perspective. In 2019, Quackenbush traveled with three HSLC students to Washington, DC to meet the Smithsonian Secretary. In addition to arts and culture focused programming, Quackenbush manages a student work experience at local organizations including the Corning Museum of Glass, Southeast Steuben County Library, Corning Information Center, the Rockwell Museum, The ARTS Council and businesses on Market Street. Quackenbush has also collaborated with the Rakow Library on Stories from the Crystal City as well as with numerous other community events such as the Garden of Fire. Quackenbush is a talented musician playing in two bands, The Tonguecutters and Mortal Combine. He helps coordinate two music festivals and has participated in the Gaffer District’s Battle of the Bands. Quackenbush is an enormous asset to the region and we are pleased to present him with The ARTS Partnership Award!