Celebrating Creativity:

Showcasing Art and Music in Our Schools

March is a time to celebrate creativity and expression as Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools Month shine a spotlight on the importance of fine arts in education. Across the Leona Group's system of schools, students are bringing their talents to life through vibrant artwork, dynamic musical performances and engaging creative experiences. These programs not only foster artistic skills but also enhance critical thinking, collaboration and confidence. We are excited to showcase how schools are nurturing young artists and musicians, highlighting their incredible work and the dedicated educators who inspire them.

Wildwood Environmental Academy (WEA)

WEA integrates art across various subjects, demonstrating its relevance in math, science, reading and social studies while also encouraging creativity for celebrations and self-expression. Students explore different artistic techniques while learning about environmental responsibility and the significance of art history. Led by dedicated educators Ms. Thoma, Ms. Revill and Mr. Mathias, the school fosters a dynamic arts program. Currently, students are participating in the Recycled Hearts Contest, where they create heart-themed artwork using recycled materials — an extension of a similar initiative held in December for holiday ornaments.

Additionally, WEA is proud to celebrate a sophomore whose artwork has been selected for "The Ninth Congressional District Invitational High School Art Exhibition" at the Toledo Museum of Art. The winning pieces will be displayed in Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s office, with all submissions currently on exhibit at the museum through March 30.

Hope of Detroit Academy Middle/High (HoDAMH)

HoDAMH is committed to fostering creativity and self-expression through art. Students engage in various projects that encourage artistic growth and personal reflection. One exciting project challenges students to create comic self-portraits, blending their likenesses with storytelling elements. In the one-point perspective assignment, students design their dream bedrooms, developing spatial awareness while showcasing their personal style.



Additionally, students explore self-portrait techniques, using values and shading to capture their true selves, while the fractured self-portrait project encourages them to reimagine their identities in unique and creative ways. The Animation Mania initiative allows students to experiment with digital animation, bringing their characters and ideas to life. Through these projects, HoDAMH promotes artistic skill, personal expression and creativity in all students.

César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary (CCAUE)

In an exciting 12-week Living Arts Integration residency, CCAUE third grade students engage in a creative exploration of habitats and the animals that inhabit them. The program begins with students selecting one of six landscapes and bringing it to life using watercolor, oil pastels and tissue paper. They then research animals from their chosen habitat, create their own puppets and investigate adaptive traits that aid in survival. The experience culminates in collaborative skits, allowing students to showcase their knowledge, creativity and storytelling skills while seamlessly integrating science and art in an engaging and dynamic way.

Detroit Public Safety Academy (DPSA)

The twelfth grade art class at DPSA is immersing themselves in the life, times and artwork of Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, exploring how art evokes emotions, memories and moods. Students selected drawings that resonated with them, using art as a tool for self-expression, stress relief and creative growth.

In addition to their individual projects, the Classes of 2025 and 2026 are collaborating on a mural in the cafeteria. This mural, led in part by senior T’Mari Rice, will embody DPSA’s three pillars — leadership, scholarship and citizenship — showcasing student talent and school pride in a meaningful, visual way.

Jessie Rivas

César Chávez Academy High

Science Department Lead

Mr. Jessie Rivas, the dynamic Science Department Lead and César Chávez Academy High graduate, is the well-deserving recipient of the 2024-2025 Teacher Hall of Fame award. Since beginning as a paraprofessional in 2016, his energy and passion have inspired countless students in science, robotics and the new Introduction to Mobile Application Development course through the iDraw partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy.

Mr. Rivas has positively impacted over one thousand graduates with his "real-world" approach to science education, demonstrating practical applications across various career fields. He regularly organizes STEM fairs, mentors the robotics team and secures grants for innovative classroom technology. His dedication extends beyond school hours through weekend workshops and summer programs that have significantly increased student interest in STEM careers. "Jessie represents the very best of our teaching community — someone who not only excels in the classroom but builds meaningful connections that transform students' futures. His journey from student to educational leader embodies our mission of cultivating tomorrow's innovators," says school leader Carissa Rusnak.

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