As a young eighth grader, the time comes to decide what high school to attend. For Kristopher Thomas, an IT Technician for the international company Faurecia, he thought the decision was easy to make, it was going to be Cass Tech. However his mother had other plans for him. He can’t remember exactly how his mother found out about the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (DSA). During this time, he had one goal and that was to attend what he thought would be the best school in the city. Little did he know that the next four years would change his life completely.
“As students of DSA, our goal was to be well-round not only to excel in our arts but excel in our academics,” these two go hand and had. He also states its important whether you follow the path in your major or not you still need to be well rounded. As an artist one may be creative but you need to have a business sense as well. In which that is where academics plays a part in your life.
As a visual art major while attending DSA, when asked what were his fondest memories he gives one word, “studio”. He elaborates more to say, “It was extra time to work on what you started, and this was a time to develop a skill set with more personal time with the teacher.” Currently with eight teachers being transferred, students will not be able to have that personal time.
Thomas continues to speak about the legacy that was left at the school. “Many alumni have gone on to do great things in society, such as music directors, Broadway performer, scientist, dentist and even lawyers.” Today he wishes to give back to help with the current state of low enrollment. “I will do what I can t to the best of my ability to help DSA reach its goals of having the enrollment numbers, in order to receive more funding to bring those teachers back.”
Thomas with many other alumni are working on a special alumni showcase later this month, to help bring awareness back to DSA. They wish to help not only encourage the students during this hurting time, but hopefully raise money to help fund some of the needs the faculty and students may have.
The time is now to give back and the only way DSA students know how to make an impact is by performing.
