Student profile and performance: Tadjanique W., Kelly Miller Middle School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a DC SCORES student who was one of six special performers at the Inspired Art Gala, held May 19 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington!. The students represent schools throughout the District and demonstrate how hard work in DC SCORES' writing workshops can result in a stunning finished product. 

This week we highlight Tadjanique W., formerly of Kelly Miller Middle School. 

Tadjanique is now in high school, using the creative talents that she developed and honed during her years as a DC SCORES participant. More than anything, Tadjanique loves to act and sing, and as seen during her Inspired Art performance, she relishes being on stage. 

Tadjanique also knows the importance of getting exercise, and soccer is her favorite activity through which to accomplish that. She was a star on the field for Kelly Miller, always in the middle of the action. 

Tadjanique, whose favorite school subjects are math and music, aspires to go to college then become a doctor or a teacher. 

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers performing a Bachata dance, on our YouTube page.

Student profile and performance: Nohemy S., Tubman Elementary School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a DC SCORES student who was one of six special performers at the Inspired Art Gala, held May 19 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington!. The students represent schools throughout the District and demonstrate how hard work in DC SCORES' writing workshops can result in a stunning finished product. 

This week we highlight Nohemy S. of Tubman Elementary School.

Not that Nohemy wasn't a star poet before, but last week she gained national fame when she had a speaking part in the Democratic National Convention video introducing, yes, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama!. Cue to the 6:03 part of the video to see Nohemy.

 

Yes, millions of people worldwide saw Nohemy speaking about the First Lady!.

 

Michelle Obama, of course, is the leader of the Let's Move initiative, encouraging children nationwide to lead healthy lifestyles both in the food they eat and by exercising. Nohemy is a good spokesperson for the movement -- she enjoys cooking nutritious meals at home and is a star on the school soccer team. 

Of course, Nohemy also isn't shy of the camera. Whenever she's sad or angry, she uses poetry as an emotional outlet. Her former poetry coach at Tubman Elementary praised Nohemy's ability to "accentuate her character and beckon the attention of the audience."

That's exactly what Nohemy did at the Gala with her poignant poem, "Where I am From," about being proud of her Hispanic upbringing.

At DC SCORES, we couldn't be more proud of Nohemy's contributions to her team both on the soccer field and on stage -- even if she wasn't a national star.

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers performing a Bachata dance, on our YouTube page.

Student profile and performance: Kennijah D., Arts and Technology Academy

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a DC SCORES student who was one of six special performers at the Inspired Art Gala, held May 19 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington!. The students represent schools throughout the District and demonstrate how hard work in DC SCORES' writing workshops can result in a stunning finished product. 

This week we highlight Kennijah D. of Arts and Technology Academy.

When Kennjiah, decked out in a slick suit and top hat, took the stage as the final act of the Gala, he looked anything but a third-grader. He looked cool. He looked calm. He looked poised to put on a stirring performance.

Maybe that's because he had performed his same hit poem -- "Stand Up For This King!," an ode to Martin Luther King Jr. -- in front of twice as many people at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! six months earlier. His delivery, then, had helped ATA win a fourth consecutive Golden Mic trophy for the best elementary school performance. 

Kennijah might be young, but he already has big goals that you can see developing through his poetry. He wants to continue to write for years to come, especially biographies. After the ovation he received at the Gala, he might want to consider performance poetry as a career, too!

Check out Kennijah's performance and look for him on the soccer field, representing ATA, this fall!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers performing a Bachata dance, on our YouTube page.

Student profile and performance: DeAndre W., Perry Street Prep

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a DC SCORES student who was one of six special performers at the Inspired Art Gala, held May 19 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington!. The students represent schools throughout the District and demonstrate how hard work in DC SCORES' writing workshops can result in a stunning finished product. 

This week we highlight DeAndre W. of Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School.

Ever since his stirring performance, an ode to his mother, Malika, at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! at the end of last fall, DeAndre has been one of our brightest, most exuberant stars. Whether he was performing his poem live on NBC, engaging patrons at the re-opening celebration of a Starbucks store, or breaking the ice with poets from other SCORES cities at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! in New York, DeAndre has never been afraid of the spotlight.

That certainly was the case at the Inspired Art Gala, where he wowed the large audience and his mother, once again, and then was the life of the party afterward, signing guests' programs and posing with the artwork inspired by his poetry.

Don't miss out on DeAndre's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers performing a Bachata dance, on our YouTube page.

Student profile and performance: Ayanna V., Noyes Education Campus

NOTE: Beginning this week, we are featuring a DC SCORES student who was one of six special performers at the Inspired Art Gala, held May 19 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington!. The students represent schools throughout the District and demonstrate how hard work in DC SCORES' writing workshops can result in a stunning finished product. 

First, we highlight Ayanna V., now a sixth grader at Noyes Education Campus. 

Ayanna has been a star for DC SCORES ever since Noyes placed second at the Eastside Poetry Slam! at the end of last fall's season. She has performed on live NBC TV; she was one of two poets who got the opportunity to visit New York and perform on stage at the Apollo as part of the America SCORES Poetry SLAM!; and this summer, she helped celebrate the renovation of a local Starbucks store with another public appearance. 

Ayanna's hit poem is called "What Happened to the Dream?" 

Check out her performance from the Gala.

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers performing a Bachata dance, on our YouTube page.

Over 225 guests moved by Inspired Art Gala's performances, speakers, artwork

When Kennijah D. of Arts and Technology Academy was handed a program to sign, he not only scribbled his name, but added a message:

“Keep fighting.”

The DC SCORES poet-athlete didn’t know the guest whom he was writing to; he was simply relaying a message he and five other poe-athletes had been sending all night. An inspirational message.

Performances by six poet-athletes highlighted the third Annual Inspired Art Gala, which was held for the first time at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. More than 225 guests attended the gala, with all the proceeds benefiting DC SCORES’ 800-plus poet-athletes.

On Thursday, all it took to inspire were a half dozen incredible students — aided by a slew of thought-provoking speeches by people touched closely by the program; a silent auction of student poetry-inspired artwork; and an excellent venue.

“I’ve been to a lot of nonprofit events and I’ve never been more moved,” said Quin Woodward Pu, who writes Little Black Blog.

The Gala, which raised over $77,000 for DC SCORES, was sponsored by: American Beverage Association; Amor, LLC; CIT Group; Clark Construction; DC Magazine; D.C. United; DIRECTV; Merrill Lynch; Volkswagen Group of America; and Walmart.

When guests began trickling in at 6:30 p.m., they entered a medium-sized room featuring tables of artwork propped up next to the student poems that inspired the artists. A bar lined the back of the room. In an adjacent, small atrium, tables with more artwork were interspersed with food stations.

It was a relatively small space that perfectly fit all the guests without becoming too crowded for people to easily move around. And a bit after 7:30 p.m., everyone headed through two sets of doors to the auditorium.

It was showtime.

The first presenter was nationally renowned Zachary Oxman, a sculpture artist who talked about the importance of having an outlet for self-expression.

“By providing our youth the opportunity to explore their creativity and self-expression, we are providing the tools for they themselves to become agents of change,” Oxman said.

“This powerful combination will help provide our youth the ability to not only change the way they view the world, but empower them to want to change the world.”

 
Oxman’s presentation was followed by an introduction to DC SCORES by Board Chair Jay Grauberger and Executive Director Amy Nakmoto, and then a few ‘agents of change’ took the stage, under the bright lights.

Decked out in Army fatigues, Trenton S. of Brookland Education Campus gave a moving tribute to his father, brother and the U.S. troops. Alternating between English and Spanish, Tubman’s Nohemy S. spoke passionately of her Hispanic heritage. And Tadjanique W. of Kelly Miller Middle School, the oldest member of the group, spoke of the pride she takes in being herself — regardless of what others want her to be.

Students with Inspiration Award honoree Ben Olsen

Ayanna V. (Noyes Education Campus) and DeAndre W. (Perry Street Prep) were no strangers to the big stage, coming off performances on NBC in January and at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! last month. Their demeanor was cool as Ayanna performed her hit “What Happened to the Dream” poem and DeAndre shared an ode to his mom.

The student performances were capped off by third-grader Kennijah D. (Arts and Technology Academy), who paced back and forth on the stage during his tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sandwiched between the student performances, Grammy nominated songstress and longtime DC SCORES middle school music specialist Carolyn Malachi gave a dramatic and impressive performance dedicated to Go-Go pioneer Chuck Brown, who had passed away the day before.

D.C. United head coach and DC soccer legend Ben Olsen was presented the Inspiration Award for his work in the District promoting youth development and healthy lifestyles. Olsen was introduced by his former teammate and good friend John Harkes, who is a longtime DC SCORES supporter and serves on the America SCORES Board of Directors.

Olsen quickly provoked laughter with his story about judging the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! 10 years ago despite having no idea what a poetry slam was. But that was also his introduction to the program, and it had a profound impact on him.

“I realized quickly that DC SCORES was not your average after-school program — very quickly,” said Olsen, who enjoys painting as a form of expression when he has spare time. “I found an organization in DC that spoke to me through my passions  — through art and the great sport of soccer.

“It was beautiful to find DC SCORES thinking the same way I was.”

The program was capped off by someone who has seen first-hand the impact DC SCORES has on kids and school communities. Ms. Kim, a parent of a poet-athlete — with two more ready to join the program, she said — gave an emotional speech about the effect the program has had not only on her daughter but on kids in the neighborhood they share.

“What DC SCORES has given to the children in my neighborhood is hope, self-respect, validation and oneness — love for themselves,” Ms. Kim said. “You guys are a lifeline to our children. You guys give them hope, purpose, and a chance to dream about better futures for themselves.”

The poet-athletes sitting in the front row had already proven her points with their poems about standing up for their beliefs and being proud of their backgrounds. Ms. Kim validated those words.

But the night was far from over.

The silent auction remained open after the program, and to add a little motivation to bid on the 28 pieces of inspired art, the six students stood by the paintings and photographs their poems were paired with, signing the programs of guests.

Nohemy, stationed on the edge of the rows of tables, couldn’t move as she was swarmed by several guests, one of whom quipped, “Man, it’s hard to get her ear.” Kennijah wrote messages to each guest who handed him a program while DeAndre bounced around, chatting up guests with the same energy and enthusiasm he displays on the soccer field.

When the night was over and all the bids had been made, people began filing out and expressed how much they loved the new venue, the program, and the night as a whole. The evening had flown by, it seemed, and the majority of guests stayed until food was being whisked away and the bar disassembled.

It was a sign that DC SCORES had inspired, once again, and left guests eager to hear, see and learn more.

For a list of the silent auction winners, visit DC SCORES on Flickr. For videos of the evening, visit DC SCORES on YouTube.

Inspired Art Gala preview: Meet a pair of the silent auction artists!

We are just two days away from the third Annual Inspired Art Gala, and final preparations are being made around the office.

Among them is assembling the array of artwork inspired by the poetry of DC SCORES students. On Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 28 professional pieces will be on display as the silent auction opens.

See all the artwork in this Flickr gallery. Then, if you haven’t, buy your ticket(s) to the Gala before 12 p.m. Thursday.

The art was created by a diverse collection of local and national artists interested in supporting the DC SCORES mission and the Gala. Many of them will be on hand Thursday to meet the children who inspired their works.

A couple weeks ago, we profiled a pair of artists. Today, we highlight two more who were kind enough to donate to our cause.

Kari Wojtanik (in her own words)
“I like to think of my work as a place where art and nature intersects. When I was young I loved playing in the dirt and making mud pies. Now I make art from them. There is nothing more satisfying to me than creating something from a lump of clay. For the past 30 years I have been evolving my ceramic style, form and function. I delight in creating just the right shape and combining just the right glazes. Attention to detail is very important to me. Each piece is one of a kind. Much of my inspiration comes from nature … its colors, textures and sounds. You would be surprised at what surrounds you on the city streets when you take the time to notice.

“While I spend every spare minute in my studio, I am a science geek by day. I have dedicated my career to promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly for our children. This is especially important in the District, where there are many underserved communities and growing health disparities. We must support our youth so that they can become healthy adults. DC SCORES offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to this ever-growing need.”

Rose Jaffe

Rose Jaffe is an illustrator and portrait artist from the District. She studied printmaking and drawing at the School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, graduating in May 2012. She works part-time as an intern at Iona Senior Services, exploring the connection between art and healing. The rest of her time is spent teaching comic art and illustrating for freelance gigs across the country. Her work has been featured in Smith Magazine's six word memoirs, Consider Magazine, Gargoyle Humor Magazine, the Occupied Washington Times, and Hook Online Magazine.

To work with Rose on editorial illustration, comic illustration, children's books, commissioned portraits and more, contact her at jaffe.rose@gmail.com. Most of Rose’s work can be seen at www.rosejaffe.com, and the fun stuff is at www.rosejaffe.tumblr.com. Follow her on Twitter at @rozejaff.

Variety of artwork highlights Inspired Art Gala silent auction

Michael Washo

The Inspired Art Gala is just eight days away! 

If you haven't gotten your ticket(s) yet and need a final push, enjoy a serving size of the 27 pieces of artwork inspired by the poetry of DC SCORES students that will be featured in the night's silent auction.

And -- did I mention this yet? -- don't forget to get your ticket(s) to hang out with D.C. United coach Ben Olsen and DC SCORES' most outstanding poets during a night of inspiration. 

See a photo album of the silent auction items on our Flickr page. 

Normon Greene

Cathy Abramson

Barbara Stubbs

Jen Vallina

Myra Maslowsky

Vanessa Levesque

Kirstin Bruner

Emma McAlary

Rose Jaffe

Fran Scott

Janai Macklin

Inspired Art Gala preview: Meet a pair of the artists

Photo taken by Emma McAlary

At the third annual Inspired Art Gala on May 17, guests will have the opportunity to browse approximately 30 pieces of art during a silent auction.

Seems pretty standard for a gala fundraiser, right?

Well, not exactly. That’s because the artwork is all inspired by the poetry of DC SCORES poet-athletes. When an artist signs up to contribute to the Gala, they are given a few poems to choose from. They then create their artwork based off the poem they choose.

Pretty cool, right?

Below, we’ll highlight a pair of artists who are excited to be a part of the Gala, which will be held from 6:30-9:30pm at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Don’t miss out on this truly unique event.

Sculpture created by Normon Greene

Emma McAlary
Emma is a Washington, DC photographer whose work is concentrated in portraiture and fine art photography. Emma inherited her love for taking photographs from her father, a journalist, and grandfather, a graphics artist, and considers art to be in her blood. She draws inspiration from shapes, forms, and stillness, and, in portraiture, the concept of age. Her eyes see only in composed frames.

By creating unconventional perspective, she transforms the most ordinary objects and minute details into photographs that are each a complete summary of the mystery of life in all its beauty. Emma's work is deliberate and bursting with soul. Emma is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and the Washington School of Photography in Bethesda. She is in the process of creating a business in portraiture photography.

Emma’s inspiration

An Ode to Moms
By Kelly Miller Middle School

M-O-M
I
L-U-V
U!!!!

I love my mom
One of a kind
She is the one
That makes me shine

Through thick and thin
She's always there
She is the one
Who always cares.

I love my mom,
You are my heart
I really hate to be apart

I love you mom
You help my mind
you are my sunshine.

M-O-M
I
L-U-V
U!!!!

Mama I love you dearly
You make me see stuff clearly
You never waste my time
Always a friend of mine

I love my mom
Always by my side
Always in my corner
She protects my pride

Mean in the kitchen
Makes good chicken and fries
I love her more than
anything this world could provide
She's a safe place for me
Does anything for me
I love her she's a star
And with her I'll go far

M-O-M
I
L-U-V
U!!!

Normon Greene
Normon is an artist, facilitator and instructor and the owner of Ra Studio. He teaches youth and adults in teambuilding and group interaction using the arts, communication, and activities to assist groups in being strong teams. He draws inspiration from a number of periods, including Cubism and Futurism, and greatly admires the expression of Marcel and Raymond Duchamp, Henry Moore, and Umberto Boccioni.

Normon, who graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Art Studio, strives to honor the human form through reflections on people’s relationships with themselves, each other and their environments. Over the last 20 years, his artwork has been displayed in over 90 festivals, schools, galleries, libraries, public recreational centers and public parks.

Normon’s inspiration

Smart is the New Swag
By Cesar Chavez Parkside

Smart is the new swag…(swag)
We gotta go to class (class)
Get the grades get the cash
Cause smart is the new swag

It takes a lot of heart to get so smart
We work so hard to get where we are
Give all we have to pass the DC-CAS
School is our path to achieve our swag
That’s why… (go to chorus)

Smart is the new swag…(swag)
We gotta go to class (class)
Get the grades get the cash
Cause smart is the new swag

Smart is what I am
Like Jay and Kanye I go ham
Like Lil Wayne said sorry for the wait
It’s a Chavez party the championship awaits

Meet Inspired Art Gala honoree, D.C. United coach Ben Olsen

D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen (photo: Steve Dykes)

On May 17, D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen will accept the Inspiration Award at the third Annual Inspired Art Gala for his work promoting youth development through soccer in the District.


Olsen will be presented the award by John Harkes, an avid supporter of America SCORES programs throughout the country. Harkes has quite the soccer background, having been named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame after a career that included two MLS titles with D.C. United. 

Olsen is the face of soccer in the District, having played for United from 1998-2009 and now in his second full season as head coach. As a player, Olsen was named the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year and helped lead United to the MLS title in 1999.

Recently, Olsen took a few minutes out of his busy schedule leading second-place United to chat about what it’s like to be DC’s most recognizable soccer figure:

Q: You obviously started playing soccer at a young age. From your experience, what impact does playing on a soccer team growing up have on youth? What values does it instill? 

A: Playing soccer from such a young age has a huge impact – especially because of the level of involvement I had. The friendships and bonds I have made are unbreakable and the experiences have been unforgettable. A few of the biggest values that I have taken from the game, and that I try and instill upon our players today, is having a great work-ethic and making sure you are 100% committed at all times. These values not only translate to success on the soccer field, but for other people across different careers.

Q: How much does it mean to you to be coaching the team you were always associated with during your player career? 

A: D.C. is my home and being able to coach the most storied MLS club is a huge honor that I don’t take lightly. I gave everything to this club when I was playing and continue to do so today as a coach. So at the end of the day, it is a special feeling to be a part of the D.C. United family.

Q: What's your favorite part about being a coach? 

A: My favorite part about coaching is being able to guide people in the right direction and help orchestrate a team that gives everything, every single time they step on the field.

Q: What's the most frustrating thing about being on the sideline? 

A: The most frustrating part of being on the sideline and coaching is that I don’t get to play in the games anymore.

Q: How many games are United going to win this year and how many MLS championships are you going to celebrate during your coaching career? 

A: My number one priority is to get this team to the playoffs and to win the MLS Cup.

Introducing the third annual Inspired Art Gala: May 17, 2012

Over three years ago, we faced a challenge.

We needed a new gala-type fundraiser for DC SCORES, but how could we differentiate it and make it stand out from the dozens of galas that dot the District's event calendar?

Additionally, how could we connect it to our mission, to what the coaches in our schools accomplish every day during a typical DC SCORES season?

What we came up with, aided beginning last year by the event-planning firm EVOKE, was the Inspired Art Gala — a night where guests would enjoy many of the traditional aspects of a traditional gala but with twists.

There would be cocktails and Hors d'oeuvre, but they would be served off soccer-themed tables. There would be a silent auction of artwork, but every painting, every photograph, and every piece of abstract art would be inspired by an original poem written by a DC SCORES student. And, finally, the night would be capped off with performances from some of our most outstanding poet-athletes.

The design was unique. And it was a bit risky.

How would the Inspired Art Gala be received?

Well, after two years, the answer is clear — it's a big hit, and we're sticking with this winning model.

After two years at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, we're moving the Gala this spring to the Carnegie Institution of Washington.

The Gala is Thursday, May 17, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and will feature the following:

• 30 pieces of inspired artwork to bid on
• Cocktails and an array of hors d'oeuvres
• The Inspiration Award is presented to two influential and visionary leaders
• And, finally, the audience is treated to individual and group poetic performances by poet-athletes, who autograph the event programs afterward

In the coming two months, we will give you a sneak peek at some of the art that will be featured as well a couple of the performances.

For now, don't hesitate to get your ticket(s) as they are limited.

Or learn more about becoming a sponsor of the event.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Dallas O., Arts and Technology Academy

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

For the night's closing act, DC SCORES star and National Poetry SLAM! participant Dallas Otigba roused the audience and received a standing ovation for her hit poem "I Have the Potential."

Don't miss Dallas' poem, and start getting excited as the 14th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam! is just two months away!

See more DC SCORES videos, including a preview of the fall season, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Lanayia S., C.W. Harris Elementary School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

Lanayia S. of C.W. Harris Elementary School impressed the audience with her fiery poem "Free Woman."

Check out Lanayia's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Anthony M., Raymond Education Campus

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

Anthony M. of Raymond Education Campus let the audience know why he loves the color green so much with his performance.

Check out Anthony center stage!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Rudeimi B., Marie Reed Elementary School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

Rudeimi B. of Marie Reed Elementary School caught the audience's attention, reading a smooth-sounding poem in Spanish.

Check out Rudeimi's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: London H., Noyes Education Campus

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

London H. of Noyes Education Campus captured the audience with his thought-provoking poem "Bullies."

Check out London's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Kereemah S., Aiton Elementary School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

Kareemah S. of Aiton Elementary School drew laughter from the crowd of DC SCORES supporters with her hit poem "Lightening."

Check out Kareemah's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: Akilae S., Tubman Elementary School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

Akilae S. of Tubman Elementary School wasn't new to the big stage, having performed just a month earlier at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! He showed his aplomb for the dramatic, reciting his hit poem "The Speech."

Check out Akilae's performance!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing and African drumming, on our YouTube page.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: MacFarland Middle School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

The first performance of the night came from seven MacFarland Middle School students -- Idris R., Keon K., Sarah C., Jondri P., Blen G., Lizbeth E. and Yakaira P -- who performed their now-famous song "Pass you the Ball."

The song came to be last October, when The Great Unknown, a Philadelphia-based country-alternative band, visited MacFarland as part of the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ America SCORES.

During three afternoons, the students collaborated with the group to create, sing and then record at a professional studio “hEaRt rHYthm LuV sOUnd." The students then made it their own, changing the name, practicing tirelessly and performing it to win first place at the Poetry Slam! in December.

And just last week, The Great Unknown released the commercial CD "Other Voices, Other Doors" featuring MacFarland's original song (buy it, watch The Great Unknown video version, read the blog).

So you know it's good!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing, on our YouTube page.