Monsignor Edward Pace High School rolls into its second year of the Academies program, and students are already reaping the benefits. The academies, geared towards enhancing necessary skills for specific vocations, consist of the following four areas: Emerging Computer Technology, Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts, and Health Science/Emergency Medial Sciences.
Students, now in the academy second year courses, are getting hands-on experience in their particular areas of interest. The Dance Track, which falls under the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, now has 48 members.
The performance team, “Starlettes," placed first in the National Dance Alliance Competition for their second consecutive year, in addition to earning the title of NDA Junior Grand Champion for the overall highest score of the competition. The academy now has an official honor society, Nu Delta Alpha, and the lead teacher, Karina Saud, is making plans to have the academy members attend the “So You Think You Can Dance” tour this upcoming winter.
Christina Cruz, lead teacher for the Broadcast Track under the Academy for Mass Communications, has already had students submit news packages to contests, and one of her student members won first place a college competition at St. Thomas University.
Saud and Marcel Navarro, the lead teacher for the Art Track, are both planning student showcases for the end of the school year. Cristina Pla-Guzman, lead teacher for the Theatre Track, has also seen a dramatic increase in student enrollment in her theatre courses, and they are currently planning their annual spring production.
Only one month into the school year, and the academies have raised the bar on expectations for students.