For the second year in a row, Questar III’s Rensselaer Academy collaborated with the Center for Creative Education to promote character through visual arts, music and dance.
Students were introduced to Project C.A.R.E (Community Awareness Respect Energy) by visiting artists Bryant “Drew” Andrews, Julio Jackson and Mike “Loki” Anthony. The artists worked with the students twice a week for six weeks to help the students prepare a special presentation for family and friends.
Rensselaer Academy students perform
The program helped Questar III students explore their creative and artistic talents and encouraged them to participate without being guarded. Andrews, the Center for Creative Education’s artistic and wellness director, explained, “This project teaches young kids how to take care of themselves and their community.”
The students created lyrics and dances, rapped, sang, and played an assortment of African drums during the performance. They also made shirts to wear for the performance and a bulletin board that followed the theme of Project C.A.R.E. which included photos of students experiencing the project.
At the presentation Rensselaer Academy Principal Karla McDowell said, “This is a really awesome culmination of our students working diligently in the arts.”
Rensselaer Academy students perform
The visiting artists said they enjoyed the time they spent with the students in preparation for the performance. Producer and Hip Hop artist Julio Jackson said, “I had a great time working with these students and seeing how they blossom creatively.”
