SCAD-Atlanta explores the world of art at B.E.S.T. Academy

SCAD-Atlanta’s Buzz Bus, filled with students, faculty and staff from “The University for Creative Careers,” made a surprise visit to B.E.S.T. Academy Middle School in December to lead students in a hands-on workshop in art and design. The event was coordinated by B.E.S.T. Academy’s guidance counselor, Joni N. Lawson.

The SCAD representatives demonstrated the use of the grid method to analyze and create art. The B.E.S.T. students, each of whom was given a photo of President Barack Obama, were asked to recreate their favorite square from within the gridded image. Once the squares were completed, each student’s square was placed with the squares of their classmates to recreate the original, whole image.

B.E.S.T. art teacher Sammie Gordon was also presently surprised to receive SCAD’s surprise donation of art supplies for his classroom. “I am so grateful and appreciative,” Gordon said. SCAD’s mascot, Art the Bee, participated in the fun, presenting the students with backpacks and notebooks.

Principal LaPaul Shelton was overwhelmed with gratitude at having SCAD conduct the workshop for his students. The finished piece will hang in the school as a testament to his student’s creativity.

APS puts its B.E.S.T. foot forward

WSB-TV news anchor Fred Blankenship called the Office of Communications earlier this week with a simple request: He wanted to do a story about single-gender schools and was hoping we could help. Our response: an overwhelming “yes!”

Not only did we tell him about the two incredible leadership academies at Mays High — the Eagle Academy for young men and the Dorothy Height Academy for young women — we also raved about the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy and B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson.

Blankenship decided to visit BEST Academy for a glimpse at how the district prepares young men for success in college and career. BEST students explained that the school’s expectation of excellence helped pave the way to a bright future.

“As a journalist, I have to maintain a level of separation with my topic, but I applaud you, young man,” Blankenship told one student after the interviewing.

Principal LaPaul Shelton stressed the school’s customized approach to instruction, as well as an emphasis on hands-on activities, teamwork and character building as part of the blueprint for student achievement. BEST High School Principal Boris Hurst also provided insight on Phase Two of the BEST journey: success in high school. This year, APS celebrates its first freshman class at BEST High.

Look for feature during the 6:30 p.m. news cast this Sunday, Aug. 29.