Center for Inquiry

Art teacher Daphne Dawne Draa creates lessons that directly support academic offerings for students at the Center for Inquiry (CFI) in Indianapolis. Ms. Draa, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, places great importance on advocating tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences. Last year, she took letters and photos of students along with a student-made film, "Peace Ambassadors," to share with pupils in Saudi Arabia. She also coordinates students, parents, neighborhood organizations, district officials, business partners and local artists to create a Peace Sculpture and annual Community Art Celebration at CFI. Ms. Draa sits on the district's Art Advisory Committee, serves as the girls' basketball coach, teacher liaison to the Parent Teacher Student Association, student council advisor, Discovery Club coordinator and yearbook coordinator. Ms. Draa is a proponent of service learning, teaches part-time at the University of Indianapolis, and is the 2003 Indianapolis Public Schools Teacher of the Year.