Last month, First Lady Michelle Obama was recognized by Matthew Lynch, Ed.D. on The Huffington Post Blog for her positively influencing education in 2014. 

As the honorary chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Mrs. Obama has championed the cause of arts education since the launch of Reinvesting in Arts Education, the seminal report from the Obama camp in 2008.

"Arts education isn't something we add on after we've achieved other priorities, like raising test scores and getting kids into college," said the First Lady. "It's actually critical for achieving those priorities in the first place."

Through her work with the President’s Committee, she has advocated for two distinct programs: Turnaround: Arts and the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP) Awards. In 2014, Turnaround: Arts expanded into its second phase and is reaching more students than ever - and the NAHYP awards are currently open for nominations for 2015.