The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka visited the nation's first school of the visual and performing arts Wednesday to salute two academic and artist scholars.
The mayor was by the show's producer Ms. Shakira McKnight, Manager of the Mayor's Office of Youth and College Affairs, Chief Education Officer, Dr. Sharnee Brown and Arts High School Vice Principal Regina Sharpe.
Mayor Baraka used the school's Television Broadcasting studio to record the first episode of season two of "The Lead Academy" show.
Highlighted on the show were Junior Television Broadcasting Major and basketball standout Elijon Nix and Senior Visual Arts Major Crystal Caldwell.
According to Arts High School officials, both scholar artists are also student leaders.
Led through the school by Vice Principal Sharpe, Mayor Baraka and Dr. Sharnee Brown received brief tours of the newly renovated broadcast studio and artwork created in the Visual Arts Department approved by Principal Devonne Gorman.
“As we move to become a national model of academic excellence inclusive of the arts and traditional academic areas, Elijon and Crystal are prime examples of Arts High School’s profound history, legacy and greatness." Principal Devonne Gorman said.
"I am excited for Mayor Baraka and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Sharnee Brown‘s visit. It gives our artist scholars another reason to aspire to inspire."
"During this season, we're taking the show on the road and will be recording on location. In this episode, we're featuring Nix and Caldwell from Arts High School and will be filming in the school," producer Shakira McKnight said.
Mayor Baraka saluted both artist scholars and reminded them that their accomplishments are what the city needs to continue to move forward.
The show is expected to air this spring and producers are scheduled to visit other schools in the district.
A production crew from The City of Newark was on location for this event.
IMAGE CREDIT: Arts High Student Photojournalist Ms. Mecca Davison.