Institute of Leadership and Performance
Students from Gary schools in participation with the prestigious JAG program were selected and asked to fill out job applications to become employees of the Institute of Leadership and performance improvement over this summer vacation. Several students were hired to work within the program this summer to tutor and counsel younger students with troubles whether they are academic or social. They also help students enhance their performing capabilities in everything from music to theatrics.
Delawrence Nixon who is set to be a high school senior at Wirt-Emerson Visual Performing Arts High Ability Academy is a tigress in helping the many students he tutors in leadership and performance capabilities. Delawrence works diligently in the Production or theater section of the institute.
“I am a part of the production The Wiz so I lead them by instilling in them the lessons I have been taught about acting and stage presence.” Nixon says. “A part of my job is being a counselor to the children and that is probably one of my favorite parts of the job. I have one thing that I say to the students every day and that is that they are somebody, they can do anything and be anybody.”
It sure is a great day when someone can help our students in any way possible to succeed in academics and in performing capabilities. Making a difference matters.
Student in Recognition
Kayla Warren is set to be a senior at Wirt-Emerson in the fall and is a student of much academic and extracurricular activity. Kayla is a piano major at Wirt, with 3 gold medals from the district ISMAA competition, 3 silver medals from the district ISMAA competition and 1 gold from the statewide ISMAA competition where she competed with her miraculous piano playing skills. She also was junior class President during the 2014-2015 school years. Kayla has so many successes; one of her huge accomplishments is her place as president on the Gary Community School Corporations Intra-City Student Council. Kayla is standing president of the Council and has several plans for Gary students in the coming school year.
“I definitely plan to institute a scholarship plan. I’m planning to take field trips to political events that will expose our council to the way professionals do what we do, and I am looking forward to creating a mentoring program for middle school and elementary students. Lastly, I’m trying to instill a district-wide Principal appreciation day,” says Kayla.
This summer Kayla has been touring several colleges in hopes to find her dream campus to make her home after her high school graduation. She’s toured several colleges already including Valparaiso University, Goshen College, Purdue, Georgia State, and Indiana University Bloomington.
“College is an empty canvas waiting for its artist to create a masterpiece.” Kayla is a student in distinction because of her willingness to be a hard worker and her passion for success and inspiring students from everywhere.
“I definitely feel like other students should go out and see campuses because it will expose them to possibilities that they are able to physically see as well as broaden their horizons and help them gain perspective on potential careers,” says Kayla
Class of 2016 preparing early
With the 2015-2016 School year rapidly approaching the Class of 2016 are more than excited for their senior year! They are more than determined to make this school year the best one ever for not only them but the classes underneath them as well!
“I tell everyone all the time everywhere I go! IM A SENIOR IM A SENIOR!” Nataija Johnson of 2016 says. “I bought my book bag already and everything. I’ve been waiting almost my entire life for this moment so I just want to sit back and enjoy it, but I’m so ready for school to start!”
Another student of the class of 2016 Delawrence Nixon is excited to close a chapter in his life.
“Senior year is the final chapter, the last scene before act 2 and just one step closer to your dreams.” Nixon says.
With the class of 2016 leading the Student Government Association again they are more than anxious for a comeback year.
“Last year there were so many obstacles in the way, so unfortunately we were unable to host our annual homecoming. But this year we are preparing early, we’ve already started and it’s summertime!” says the Student Government Vice-President. “Our plan this year is to walk into the school year with one hundred proposals for a new activity each week that the administrators cannot say no to!”
This last lap for many of the Wirt Seniors is bittersweet.
“We’ve been like a family for so long, we’ve grown u together. I’ve known most of my friends I have now since I was in elementary school.” Maria Hardy an upcoming senior says. “They’ve become like my family. We’ve always experienced new adventures together. It’s going to be so weird in a different place without them moving along beside me to make me feel at home and comfortable.”