GST BOCES           

 congratulates

 

Dr. Dr. Karen Matthews,

Edward Biko Smith,  Jim Armstrong, and Charlie Shew

 

Ernie Davis Middle School

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

Arts in Education is an integral part of the human experience. Arts education affords children the opportunity to express themselves in a way that one can't articulate in words or ordinary discourse. The arts amplify the soul!           

                                                                                                                       Elise Donaldson, Assistant Principal

 

E-mail:   mamcmaho@sctboces.org

 

 

GST BOCES Congratulates

Denzel H., Ashley H. and

Britian L.

Ernie Davis Middle School

Arts Students in the News

 

Denzel H. and Britian L.
Denzel H. shown here as a 6th grade student at Ernie Davis.  During Dr. Karen Matthew's African Dance presentation at the school, Denzel was one of the students willing and most able to participate when Karen invited students to take the spotlight in the circle.  Denzel turned out to be an impressive performer, but then, performing is a family tradition in Denzel's exceptional family.  Denzel, who relates that he has been a vegetarian since the age of 4, is of Jamaican and Native American heritage, and returns to Georgia at least once a year for a family reunion.  At these family reunions, Denzel and his relatives participate in "dance contests and talent shows."  And boy does talent abound in Denzel's family!  His father and uncle both play the trumpet; he has a cousin who is a member of a rap group and an uncle who is a disc jockey. But the most famous member of his family is his cousin, contemporary R & B singer and actress, Mary J. Blige     

In addition to family celebrations, Denzel sings in the Junior Choir (alto and soprano)  every Sunday at church.  He also plays the trombone and is currently working on a production with his teacher,  Mr. Warren, for which they are choreographing dance in the style of Michael Jackson.  

Denzel's favorite musical groups are the Temptations, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and The Jackson 5.  He also enjoys writing (lyrics) and the visual arts. He once entered a Japanese comic book drawing contest and won with a picture of a "fire-sword."  

Denzel is also athletic with his favorite sports being soccer, golf and  basketball.  He plans to go to soccer camp this summer in Florida.  Favorite academic subjects include Social Studies, Math, Spanish and Black History.  Extracurricular endeavors include reading the Bible, which he has done three times!

As for the future, Denzel has many  aspirations - 1) a soccer player  2) a Social Studies teacher 3) R & B singer 4) pastor.  

Ashley H. is a 6th grade student whose favorite art form is dancing.  She especially loves African dancing and hip hop. She learns her dancing mainly from TV. She tries to make up her own moves and goes to school dances.  When asked about her future plans, Ashley says she's "not sure," but perhaps she would like to be a dance instructor and teach "background dancers." She really enjoyed Karen Matthews and the African drummers. "I thought it would be boring, but I actually liked it...I loved it when we got to dance in lines to the drum beats!" 

Britian is a 6th grade student who likes drawing and writing as well as music. His favorite academic subjects are Math and Social Studies.  He says he learned to dance from his cousin who "owns a Baptist church in town" where they have dancing contests on Sundays."  His grandmother gives out prizes to dance contest winners. "Grandma's brother is a preacher and half my family is from Jacksonville, Florida and the rest are from Rochester." At the church functions, members also sing and make their own CD's.  "It takes a lot of practice, but we have lots of fun." In addition to music, drawing and writing, Britian loves various sports such as basketball and martial arts such karate.  

 

 

 

 

 


 Arts in Education Specialist

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E-mail:   mamcmahon@gstboces.org

gstboces web-page - www.gstboces.org

 

 

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