Two of the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s (HBUHSD) administrators were awarded as 2023 Arts Administrators by the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (OCMAA). This award, given to Rocky Murray, Ed.D., HBUHSD Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Categorical Programs, and Principal Daniel Morris of Huntington Beach High School (HBHS), honors exceptional administrators that develop, support, and promote the growth and success of school and district arts programs.

OCMAA is dedicated to quality, equity, and access to arts programs for all students which stem from comprehensive district arts plans, dynamic community collaborations, and inspired, informed leadership. In a previous article from OCDE Newsroom, OCDE Arts Coordinator Scott Fitzpatrick explained, “The Orange County Music and Arts Awards is the premier recognition for Orange County’s outstanding arts educators and is highly regarded within the community for its recognition of quality instructional service.”

Dr. Rocky Murray is an active advocate of the arts within HBUHSD. Over the past few years, he played an instrumental role in the hiring of a District Arts Administrator and, more recently, an Arts Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). The opening of these positions has allowed for full-time effective arts leadership and growth. Additionally, Dr. Murray has secured available funding for arts programs, leading to ESSER funding for teaching through Covid, the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant for Professional Development, and the Low Performing Block Grant for teachers to inspire, entice, and recruit students into arts classes.

At HBHS, Principal Daniel Morris is heavily involved in the growth and success of the visual and performing arts. Morris encouraged the hiring of key artistic support positions for the Huntington Beach Academy for Performing Arts (APA), enabling its expansion and recognition as a highly-acclaimed art school. Under Morris’ leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, a revised bell schedule was created, which allowed students to continue to excel in the arts, and he championed for the continuation of APA productions, both virtually and in-person, as allowed.

“Rocky Murray and Danny Morris truly understand the value of an arts education,” says HBUHSD’s VAPA Facilitator and APA Artistic Director, Andrea Taylor. “Not only do they understand how the arts meet the social and emotional well being of our students, but also how it inspires students as they plan for college and career.”

Murray and Morris were recognized at the OCMAA Awards Ceremony on the evening of February 8th, held at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is honored to have such involved administrators as Dr. Murray and Principal Morris who prioritize and support the needs of arts programs, students, and staff.