The Central Lee Community School District has inducted three new members to its Fine Arts Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.
This year, the Hall of Fame honors two Central Lee graduates who have showcased their fine arts talents to build successful careers, alongside a dedicated former Central Lee art teacher.
"Today, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of these individuals, recognizing their significant contributions to the world of fine arts," stated Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. "Their artistic prowess and commitment have left an indelible mark on our community, and we are honored to induct each of them into our Fine Arts Hall of Fame.”
Inductee Mindy Torrey (Hoskin) is a 2000 graduate of Central Lee High School. She not only founded Mayday Design, a boutique agency, but also skillfully managed high-profile accounts. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to head the creative department of Lands' End, where she later achieved the position of award-winning vice president at Lane Bryant.
Torrey’s talent also led her to rebrand and launch a new brand position at Soma and subsequently lead the Sally Beauty creative marketing team, creating several viral campaigns recognized by prestigious awards.
Also inducted this year is Linda Heitz, a former art teacher at Central Lee who dedicated 32 years to serving students. Her legacy includes creating Central Lee’s Art Club, which continues to offer students valuable artistic opportunities today. Heitz organized memorable cultural trips to cities such as Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, enriching students' exposure to the arts and imparting valuable business insights.
Heitz championed student expression by establishing the annual Central Lee Art Show and encouraging participation in conference art shows. Even in retirement, her impact endures, with her role as a judge for the Lee County Fair Art Hall projects and her efforts in organizing art exhibitions in support of the Rebuild Nepal Foundation. Her active involvement in organizations such as Iowa P.E.O., FM Art Center, and Saint Mary & Joseph Catholic Church underscores her unwavering dedication to both community and culture.
A graduate of the class of 1970, Christal Lewiston’s journey in fine arts began as a musician, lending her talents to various bands and choirs. In 1981, she became a part of the Great River Players (GRP) Community Theatre, serving as a set builder and later becoming deeply involved in over 100 theatrical productions in various roles, including director, designer, actor, and technician.
Lewiston's contribution extended to her role on the GRP board of directors, where she served as president, vice president, and secretary. Her direction of GRP's performance of A Bench at the Edge by Luigi Jannuzzi earned statewide recognition by winning the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT)’s ACTFest 2015 competition, representing Iowa in the regional competition.
Additionally, Lewiston made significant contributions to Central Lee High School's drama department, where she designed sets and fostered a lasting partnership with GRP. Her dedication also allowed students to participate in speech contests, and her ongoing support for local artists is evident through her project to create the Players’ Court—a versatile green space for artistic endeavors.
The Fine Arts Hall of Fame was established as a platform to honor, preserve, and celebrate Central Lee's rich history and its tradition of excellence in fine arts. It highlights the significance of high-achieving graduates and former staff members who left a lasting impact on the school community during their time at Central Lee.
Community members, families, staff, and alumni are encouraged to nominate individuals for Hall of Fame recognition. To be eligible for nomination, individuals must have graduated from Central Lee schools or have been a staff member and should be at least five years removed from their association with the district. A committee reviews all nominations and determines each year's inductees. Central Lee also has Academic and Athletic Halls of Fame.
The Central Lee Community School District's Hall of Fame ceremony to honor the 2022 and 2023 inductees will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Lee High School.