“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Forest High School, part of Houston Independent School District, serves nearly 1,000 students and is recognized as a Title I school serving a diverse community. The school has undergone significant transformation and improvement under HISD leadership, with a dedicated faculty committed to providing quality education and artistic opportunities for all students.
OAK HARBOR, WA – December 23, 2025 – The Creativity Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression, has made a significant donation of art supplies to North Forest High School in Houston, Texas. The donation, consisting of 12 cartons of premium watercolor pads valued at nearly $3,600, will directly benefit students in the school’s art programs.
The donation was received on September 3, 2025, and includes premium watercolor paper pads that will support students’ creative development throughout the academic year and for years to come. With 12 cartons containing 24 two-pack pads each, the donation provides a total of 576 individual watercolor pads – far more than can be used in a single academic year, ensuring long-term support for the school’s art programs. The supplies directly align with the school’s mission to provide academic excellence and post-secondary readiness in order to rise above all challenges in an ever-changing global society.
“This generous donation will have a tremendous impact on our students’ ability to explore and develop their artistic talents,” said Principal Marie Adams. “Access to art supplies is essential for our students to fully express their creativity and build the skills they need for future success in the arts.”
The donation was coordinated through Daryan Paradise, an art teacher at North Forest High School who teaches Art 1, Art 2 (drawing), and AP Art (a college credit course) to students in grades 9-12. Paradise’s dedication to keeping creativity alive in the classroom and her commitment to student artistic development made this partnership possible.
“At the Creativity Initiative, we believe that access to premium art supplies is fundamental to artistic expression,” said Gary Gillespie, Director of the Creativity Initiative and co-owner of Leda Art Supply. “North Forest High School’s commitment to supporting their students’ creative development makes them an ideal partner. We’re thrilled to support their art program and help empower the next generation of artists.”
This donation represents the organization’s ongoing commitment to making art accessible to all students, particularly those in Title I schools where resources may be limited. The premium watercolor pads will be used across multiple art classes and will benefit hundreds of students throughout the academic year and for years to come, providing sustained support for the school’s creative programs.
The Creativity Initiative, founded in July 2024, aims to nurture creativity, promote mental well-being, and foster community engagment by providing art education and accessibility to art supplies.
For more information about the Creativity Initiative, visit https://creativityinitiative.org/
About The Creativity Initiative: The Creativity Initiative is dedicated to fostering creativity and enhancing mental well-being for individuals of all ages. Founded with a vision to nurture creativity and well-being, the organization focuses on making art accessible to all and supporting initiatives that promote artistic expression. Core values include fostering creativity in all its forms, building strong community connections, and ensuring accessibility to art supplies and resources.
About North Forest High School: North Forest High School is part of Houston Independent School District and serves approximately 1,000 students in grades 9-12. Located at 10726 Mesa Drive in Houston, Texas, the school is committed to providing premium education that prepares students for college, career, and life success. The school emphasizes both academic excellence and comprehensive student development, including robust arts programs that encourage creative expression and critical thinking skills.
Contact: Gary Gillespie Director, Creativity Initiative 425-889-9418
High school art students in this disadvantaged district now have plenty of material to develop their creativity.
