Last week, our three Turnaround A+ Schools received special visits from celebrity mentors who are part of the national Turnaround Arts: Louisiana program. Turnaround Arts is an initiative of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities that seeks to transform schools through the arts.

 

(Top) Actress Alfre Woodard strikes a pose with cheerleaders at St. Helena Arts & Technology Academy. (Bottom) Irvin Mayfield performs for students.

Actress Alfre Woodard and musician Irvin Mayfield, both Turnaround Artists, visited St. Helena Academy of Arts and Technology in Greensburg and Homer Elementary School in Homer, LA, to encourage students to pursue their academic goals. They had the opportunity to see some of the amazing creative projects the students have been working on, including theatrical performances and visual art installations.

Click the above photo to watch Jacques Rodrigue and Alfre Woodard discuss the importance of arts education on WWLTV.


While in New Orleans, Alfre Woodard joined Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue on WWLTV to discuss how GRFA and Turnaround Arts are impacting schools through the arts. After filming, Alfre and Jacques headed to Homer A. Plessy Community School where students were eager to greet their celebrity mentor.

Students welcome Alfre Woodard for her second visit to Homer A. Plessy Community School in New Orleans.

Thank you to our amazing Turnaround Artists for inspiring Louisiana students!