Special 6th Grade Jazz Brunch

Donning their Sunday best, the sophomore class arrived in summer rain to live jazz and a delectable brunch held in their honor.

The Class of 2012 is the inaugural class of the UpLIFT mentoring program conceived by Ms. Barnes and Ms. Robinson as a way of challenging the sophomore class to reach back while moving forward.

This point was beautifully illustrated by keynote speaker, Mr. Mehari Kassa when he asked all in attendance to hold hands as a demonstration of the collective power at the heart of RCA. But when he had Aurelius Smith step up on a chair, the sixth grade witnessed what it meant to rise up and lift up. As A.J. rose, the hand of the classmate beside him was raised.  The charge was clear: As you step up, you lift us up.

The celebration ensued; Ms. Barnes crooning classic jazz from the stage and Mr. Kassa whirling Chapelle Johnson onto the dance floor to get the crowd moving. After fine dining and festive dancing the sophomores shared nuggets of wisdom they would pass down to the incoming fifth grade.  Their vision and promise was affirmed with gifts bearing their promise: UpLIFT!

UpLIFT was modeled by the teachers who collaborated to make the Sophomore Jazz Brunch unforgettable! Ms. Barnes and Ms. Robinson thank Mr. Clark for making poetry of rain; Ms. Mosley for a rousing invocation; Ms. Terry of Sweet Potato Eatery for her culinary gifts; guitarist Ms. Jordan and bass player Ms. Riggins for soulful jazz; Mr. Bernadin and Ms. Jackson for lending a hand; and lastly, Ms. Bearden for reminding each sixth grader that their unique spark is what makes RCA magical!

With vow taken and challenge accepted the sophomore class steps up and out!