Brownsville students showcase passion for the arts at District 23 school

Hundreds of students from District 23 gathered Wednesday to celebrate their talents and passion for the arts.

Students prepared an array of performances, including step routines, dances, sign language, karate, marching band and others.

It took students weeks and months to prepare for today’s art showcase. District Achievement Instructional Specialist Yolanda Lawrence-Bennett arranged the event. She told News 12 that events like this are an opportunity to shift the conversation.

"The news that Brownsville is getting has been negative news. So today we had an opportunity to show our very best and it was very positive," Lawrence-Bennett said.

Principal Dr. Ronda Phillips, from Kappa V, said not all children are gifted in the classroom. As educators, it is their mission to find other outlets for student to thrive in.

"So what else do we have to offer our kids where they can shine also? And that's what the arts does for our kids. It shows them in a different light. We always say every child has something special to bring to the table and looking at the arts, it just brings out that in them."