Celebrating Community Night!

What a beautiful time we spent together at our first Community Night at Broadmoor High School! On the evening of May 3rd, the students of Amped Studio Afterschool were joined by friends, family, and community members for a celebratory showcase of their work and accomplishments.

The evening began with an awards ceremony to uplift members of the Amped community for their remarkable dedication and service. For her collaborative support of the Amplified ELA Classrooms project, BHS English teacher Mrs. Candita Sims was awarded the Susan Weinstein Greenhouse Award. Amped staff member and alum Tareil George was awarded the Bobby Thompson Humble Hero of Social Justice award. George’s heart for the students at Broadmoor is on full display in all her work, whether she’s leading culture keeping after school or facilitating poetry workshops in classrooms. Finally, the Kaiya Smith True Blue Senior Award went to Amped Studio student and YALL member Quynn Lewis. Quynn has demonstrated a deep love for the Amped community this year, which he pairs with a practical commitment to problem-solving. Quynn has been an integral member of YALL (the Youth Apprentice Leadership League), always willing to jump in to meet a need even when it means trying something new.

Following the awards ceremony, the community night attendants chose between two youth-led civic engagement workshops: What is Consent? and Conflict Prevention and Resolution. The workshops were followed by presentations and interactive workshops led by students in the art-engagement groups.

Students in the visual arts group, who worked with teaching artist Celeste Payne, showed off their drawing and digital design work. Jamal Smith led a drawing workshop in which participants practiced drawing a human face.

Students in the music group, led by Ryan Murray, showcased songs they had written and performed and hosted a jam session.

Students in the performance group, led by Anna Campbell, reflected on their experience working on a student-drafted play during the semester. They also presented an improv performance in the courtyard.

In true Amped fashion, the evening ended in reflection. Students shared gratitude for each other and for those who gathered to celebrate their work. Amped supporter Boo Milton reflected on Amped’s history, saying that what was once only a dream has become a reality. “I feel like I’m in the future,” he said. “I’m inside the dream.”

Thank you for living this dream with us! We are so thankful for our dedicated partners at Broadmoor High School, EBRPSS, and throughout the community. Our work with students at Broadmoor High School is only possible because of your support. As we close out this school year, we are looking ahead with gratefulness and joyful anticipation for what’s next. ​