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11 Inspiring Things Our Arts Students Told Us in 2025

December is often one of the busiest, most stressful times of year—a time when we could all use a little inspiration to keep us going. Thankfully, our students inspire us every day and remind us of the magic and joy of this time of year, too.

To add a little joy to your day, we’ve gathered 11 things we heard from CAP students this year that really stood out to us. Some are funny, some are genuinely heartwarming, but all of them showcase the unique perspective our students bring to the world. They’re a testament to the infinite positive ways arts education affects young people.

Here are our 11 favorite quotes from CAP students this year, in no particular order:

"At first, I wanted to stay home and just play Fortnite or something. But the days passed by, and I really started to like it here. And now that I'm on my last day, I'm sad and stuff." - Larry, visual arts student

"CAP helped my voice be louder!" -Anonymous student

My CAP class helped me grow by helping me trust myself more and helping me become a better actor! –Performing arts student

I don’t really get to paint at home so instead of asking for a toy or something else, I asked my mom if I could do this art class instead." –Virginia, visual arts student

“Ms. Taylor says I have to take responsibility for myself as an artist. I have to take responsibility for myself as a leader.” –World drums student, Hyde Park Elementary

“I saw [violinist] Lindsey Stirling in concert, and I want to learn to play like her." –CAP beginner string student, Global Leadership Academy

“The best thing about my class is that it teaches a lot of things in a lot of ways, like if you messed up, then keep on going, no matter what. And if anything happens, you gotta continue.” –Performing arts student

“CAP class helped me understand there are a whole bunch of people with anxiety, and I learned that I don't have to have anxiety—I just have to chuck it out the window.” –Art counseling student

"Ms. Lindsay, will you please tell my mom all the things I'm good at?" –Leo, visual arts student, Radiant Collective

CAP helps me grow socially, and helps me learn a lot of songs, sight reading and a lot of other stuff! –Anonymous student

CAP helped me pay attention better to learning. –Arts integration student

Which quote was your favorite? We invite you to share it on social media to brighten your friends’ days as well—and don’t forget to tag @CathedralArts on Facebook or @CathedralArtsProject on Instagram!

December 15, 2025

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

Research shows clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior, and social and civic participation. Rhythm-based musical training, in particular, has been shown to enhance higher-order cognition and motor control. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. For more information about CAP programs visit our link in bio.🪘
Thank you to all who attended the CAP Visual Arts Showcase Opening Receptions today! You can still view the inspiring artwork created by CAP students through June 10 at the Alexander Brest Gallery at Jacksonville University! Don’t miss it!🎨🎉 
#capkidsjax
CAP is hiring a Part Time Teaching Artist in Strings! As a CAP Teaching Artist specializing in strings, you'll inspire young lives by providing instruction in violin, viola, cello and/or bass in afterschool settings across Northeast Florida. You'll create and utilize engaging, standards-aligned curriculum and lead enriching educational experiences that ignite students' creative spirits and foster a lifelong appreciation for music. Start Date: August 2026. 
For more information visit the Work at CAP link in bio. Apply today!🎻
Every child has a creative spirit. The study of music develops their unique strengths – like self-confidence, creative thinking, self-respect, empathy and perseverance. Participation in the arts creates extraordinary change in the lives of children that sets them up to succeed in school and in life.🌟#theartsaddup #capkidsjax #artsed
Are you a military family? CAP is proud to provide two FREE week-long arts camps for Blue Star Families this summer!🎶👯Supported by the @Kids Hope Alliance, CAP’s Brave HeArts program provides military families with the opportunity for their students to explore their creativity through a variety of arts experiences and performances. Led by CAP teaching artists, campers of all experience levels will enjoy music and dance activities designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Learn more and register at our Brave HeArts link in bio!💙

Session 1 | Music Exploration
July 6-10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will explore their musical interests through both individual and collaborative instruction. 

Session 2 | Dance Exploration
July 13-17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will embark on an exciting journey in this beginner-level dance camp.

Location: Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Come out to this Riverside Arts Market and cheer for our Emerging Artists Programs students in the CAP Dance Ensemble, CAP String Orchestra and CAP Theatre Company on the River Stage this Saturday, May 2 beginning at 10:30 am! 🎻👯🎭Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Spring for the Arts is tomorrow and the silent auction is officially OPEN – you can place your bids remotely or in-person with the auction link in bio!

This annual event celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting paint brushes, instruments, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.🎉Happy bidding!
Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) is grateful to announce that we are recipients of the Find Your Light Foundation's 2026 grant! Their support allows us to to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students across Northeast Florida have access to essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every student's unique skills and strengths.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. 
Thank you, @Fylfoundation, for championing the power of the arts and helping CAP make a lasting impact! #TheArtsAddUp #ArtsEducation

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