Blog

Conversation with Dwayne Thomas and Hope Hynson

We were excited to have Dwayne Alistar Thomas, actor in Akeelah and the Bee, and Baltimore Center Stage Education Artistic Associate Hope Hynson join us for a Conversation. Much of the conversation was about the play that we had just attended – both the performance and behind the scenes.

Dwayne shared his background and how he approached he two characters he portrays in the play. Hope worked with many of the young actors in the play as part of her ongoing work incorporating youth in Center Stage. They both talked about how the play took shape. The students were also interested in their views on issues of the day and so a wide ranging discussion ensued.

After the Conversation, Kendall, Madison and Ethan took Dwayne on a tour of the school including the studio and the greenhouse. He was particularly interested since his wife runs a charter school in Southern Maryland.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming kindness of Baltimore Center Stage. It was a pleasure to get to know Dwayne and to have Hope join us once again.

Students Attend Akeelah and the Bee

If you haven’t been to Baltimore Center Stage to see the play Akeelah and the Bee, then hurry to get your tickets now! We saw this most amazing performance today and were captivated by it. This local production included actors from the Baltimore School for the Arts whose abilities seemed to far exceed their age and limited professional experience. Zipporah, a former TCS Young Playwrights teacher also was outstanding in the play. The play centers around a young girl with exceptional spelling abilities from an urban community with deeply rich characters. It traces her challenges and journey on the way to becoming a national champion. The production is so deep, creative and active that it grabs your imagination and interest and doesn’t let you go.

The students all enjoyed the performance, and we look forward to talking with folks from Center Stage in our Friday Conversation.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Hope, Erin, Stevie, Adam and all of our friends from Center Stage for making these experiences for our students possible. Baltimore Center Stage is a treasure that we all should appreciate with our attendance and financial support.

Rhys Guilfoyle Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Rhys Guilfoyle, a senior at TCS, was awarded his Eagle rank tonight. This is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. It was a heartwarming ceremony where Rhys was also given multiple awards of recognition for his dedication, service and leadership.

Rhys gave a wonderful speech full of gratitude for his fellow scouts and the leaders who had invested in him with a special recognition to his mom. Jenae has been a volunteer andwith the Scouts leader since Rhys was a young child.

His Eagle project was to help restore a section in Druid Park that was set aside to honor fallen military heroes. Rhys was instrumental in an effort to replant trees there and add plaques honoring those who had given their lives in service.

We are all so proud of Rhys and his accomplishments. It was an honor for us to be there at this memorable moment in his life.

Outdoors Project Completed!

We painted the last benches and completed the outdoor project at the school! Thank you to everyone that helped out. It looks great and adds a wonderful space to enjoy the outdoors.

Conversation with Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams, Director of Underwriting at WYPR radio, joined us today for our Conversation series. Ms. Williams shared her experiences as a mass communications major and her lifelong career in sales and radio management with a short stint in television.  She was very interested in the students as well and their views on what is going on in the country and the world. The students attentively listened to Ms. Williams life experiences and wisdom shared and look forward to having her back.

Thank you for sharing your time with us Ms. Williams and thank you Mr. Carlos for introducing us.