Siler City – June 1, 2009

Auldern Academy is excited to announce that Lee R. Leal will be joining the faculty as head of the Art Department. Mr. Leal has a rich background with experiences as both a producer of his own art and as a teacher of art in many fine private settings. Mr. Leal obtained his MFA from the University of Delaware, which is one of the country’s finest art programs.

Mr. Leal has most recently taught at the Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina. He was also the head of the department at the Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, was an adjunct faculty instructor at Delaware State University, taught at the Westtown School in Westtown, Pennsylvania, was the Artist in Residence at the Wilmington Art Commission in Wilmington, Delaware and was the ceramics instructor at the University of Delaware.

He has received awards from Rehoboth Art League, Elizabeth N. Bingham Award for Excellence in Pottery, the Kodak Photo Educators Scholarship and awards from the Santa Fe Workshops.

Mr. Leal’s personal passion for art involves ceramics and photography. However, he is a detail oriented, high energy and resourceful Art Instructor with the ability to engage and motivate students to work at optimal levels while maintaining a comfortable, creative environment. He helps students focus and keep a clear perspective on their personal goals. He has extensive experience helping student broaden their perspectives for personal expression through artistic creation.

Mr. Leal is well versed in all art media, be it ceramic, sculpture, photography and two-dimensional art. He has also worked with integrating art curriculum with history and English. He has extensive experience in helping students to create art portfolios to be accepted into art schools.

According to Ms. Samuel, Head of School, “We are very pleased and excited to have Mr. Leal join our faculty and begin to work with the girls at Auldern Academy.” He has many creative projects planned for the summer and the coming school year. We believe that Mr. Leal will take Auldern’s art to the next level and will inspire our girls to reach their artistic potential.

Auldern Academy is a therapeutic boarding school in North Carolina serving young women grades 9-12. For more information about Auldern Academy contact us at www.auldern.com Auldern is owned and operated by Three Springs, Inc.