CLE Spring Break
During spring break students shifted from old to new by customizing well-loved shoes! CLE collaborated with The Community Works (TCW) of Waukegan to provide a five-day "learnshop" with local emerging professionals, Vell and Brooklyn. They learned the process of repurposing sneakers, including proper cleaning techniques, creating a vision, and painting the shoes to bring that vision to a redesigned product. Students also learned how to make props for a photo session just like a pro. Guidance was given on how to market their ability into a profitable business for any budding entrepreneur.
Students demonstrated how teamwork makes the dream work by mentoring one another along the way. One volunteer observed, “They worked willingly and selflessly together and their finished products are a testament to their willingness to make a difference.” A big thanks to TCW and our volunteers for helping keep trash out of landfills while students learn cool, new skills.
SPOTLIGHT ON MR. OAKTREE
Jay "Oak Tree" Jervis is an award-winning and homegrown African-American photographer who continues to share his talents with Pathways to Possibilities. Oak Tree taught students to take quality photos, heightened their appreciation of Waukegan's green spaces, connect to one another, and build confidence. Thank you, Oak Tree, for inspiring students and building community across generations!
PTP- COOL 'WINTER' Experience
Do you know some animals that don’t hibernate despite the Midwest cold? We do, too! CLE nature buddies stepped into a new season of Pathways to Possibilities (PTP) and enjoyed a distinct mix of nature, photography, and fun. Youth joined us for six sessions topped off with a community event to showcase their digital talents and creative writing. The theme “Changes” resonated as the students visited Independence Grove, Lyons Woods, The African American Museum at the England Manor and Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Photography.
The dynamic trio of Jay “Oak Tree” Jervis, Diane “American White Pelican” Lewis, and Rita “Wiggly Worm” Sacay and five faithful volunteers helped students document experiences with photos, 6-word memoirs, and heart-to-heart eco letters. Memoirs pair descriptions of a photo with 6 words, critical thinking skills, and lived experiences. Heart-to-heart letters are in the voice of their nature names and addressed to human or non-human living things.
A Celebration of Learning was held March 11 (Ms. Coyote's birthday!) and 50+ guests were treated to poetry readings and refreshments. PTP’s amazing photo gallery of students’ work will be on display at CLE until June 5.
