When Henrietta Heeter walked across the stage this May to receive her associate degree in fine arts from Southwesten Community College, she had the distinct honor of being the first graduate of the Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts.

“Through the years I tried to go back to school but I never found anything that interested me. Plus, with three little kids I didn't have much time. But now they are grown and I have time for myself and when I heard mention of the new fine arts institute, I knew right away that's what I wanted to do,” said this Cherokee native.

Through a partnership with Southwestern Community College, which provides the instruction and accreditation, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, which provides the funding, students can earn an associate's degree in fine arts.

“This program has really changed me,” said Heeter. “I'm more outgoing than when I first began. I was very quiet at first but I've learned to open up more. I was self conscious as to whether I could do it or not because it has been so long since I'd been in school. At 51, I'm older than some of my teachers. But it's been a wonderful experience and I encourage others-young or old- to take the program.” Heeter plans to attend Western Carolina University for a bachelor's degree in art education and her master's in painting.