I often say I love what I do because I love who I do it for and that’s the students of Boston Arts Academy. I care deeply about our students, not just because they look like me, but because they represent the true diversity and talents that exist within our city. I want them to have access to all the opportunities they deserve so that they can become the artist, scholar, and global citizen they have dreamed of becoming. Boston Arts Academy is a gateway to opportunity as the only public high school in Boston for the visual and performing arts that is academic-blind and accepts students from all 23 neighborhoods of Boston, including Hyde Park, solely based on talent. It’s a rare and needed opportunity to foster the potential that exists in our neighborhoods. Studies have shown that arts-based education improves participation and engagement; however, only 61 percent of public school students in Boston have access to art classes. BAA celebrates the arts and teaches creativity, a skill that is valued in the workplace today. 97 percent of BAA graduates are accepted to college and there are over 1,700 BAA alumni innovating in their careers. As a community, we have the power to support and continue to provide opportunities to our students at no cost to them. With that, I’d like to ask you to consider donating this holiday season to BAA. You can donate at baafdn.org. Thank you.

Denella J. Clark

Hyde Park Resident

SOURCE: Hyde Park Bulletin (page 4)