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Spring was packed with creativity, hard work, and powerful moments—and now, as summer gets underway, we are excited to share just how much has been happening at Mind-Builders. From standout performances to student-led projects and big milestones for our graduating seniors, the last few months have been full of purpose and pride. And with our summer programs about to kick off, there is even more to look forward to.
Read on to catch up, celebrate, and see what’s next!
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Program Highlights: April '25 - June '25
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The spring dance season was one of our most exciting and ambitious yet. From rehearsals to costume fittings to back-to-back performances, the entire department came together to make magic happen on stage and the results were unforgettable.
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Our 2025 recitals, S.H.E. (Strength, Heart, Empowerment) SLAYS and Super Kids: Dance to Save the Day, featured more than 225 dancers performing for nearly 1,400 audience members over two packed days. This year marked a major milestone: for the first time, we showcased original student choreography and solos. Seniors Alejandra P. and Najah P. shared moving work in Women Speak, while younger students like Mckensie W. (pictured) and Abigail W. delivered powerful portrayals in Walk On, Ruby Bridges.
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We also saw students take their training beyond Mind-Builders. Thanks to our Dance Intensive Audition Prep program, Gavrielle G. and Sameerah C. were both accepted into Talent Unlimited High School, with two more students currently waitlisted. These achievements reflect what’s possible when students are given time, mentorship, and space to grow.
This season’s successes were fueled not just by our dancers and teaching artists, but also by the unwavering support of parent volunteers like Sabine D., Lidin G., and Malla H., who stepped up for rehearsals, costuming, and keeping things running on our busiest days. It was a true team effort and it showed.
| | As we move into summer, the department remains committed to expanding its outreach through in-school residencies and master classes, connecting with more Bronx youth, and building excitement around dance as both expression and discipline. | | *Click the photo to see PS 103 students celebrating the last day of our African Dance residency | |
Music Department
The energy in our music program has been nothing short of electric this season. From the classroom to the concert stage, students have been honing their skills, building confidence, and stepping into new levels of performance.
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One of the biggest highlights? Our Stage Band returned to the 2025 High Note Festival and earned the highest possible rating—“Superior”—for the third year in a row. Performing a challenging and crowd-pleasing set arranged by Assistant Music Director Christopher Palmer, students showed off their musicianship, ensemble precision, and improvisation skills. After the win, they celebrated with a well-earned trip to Six Flags, where joy and community took center stage.
| Beyond the band, more than 170 students performed in four spring recitals at the Bronx Music Hall. Families gathered to hear solos, duets, and group pieces across genres and instruments. These performances were more than showcases, they were a chance for students to share their growth and express who they are as young artists. | | Mind-Builders students also had the honor of representing our community beyond the classroom. Renelle F. and Felipe M. performed the national anthem at the Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza at Orchard Beach, with Renelle singing and Felipe accompanying her on piano. Their moving performance was a standout moment of pride. | | *Click the photo to listen to their performance | | |
Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen our partnership with Lehman College, where a group of students recently toured the film scoring and audio production facilities. This experience opened their eyes to future career paths in music tech, and we are hoping to build on this collaboration next year.
We’re also incredibly grateful to the parents and caregivers who supported our department this season—from chaperoning field trips to donating food and cheering from the audience. A special thank you to to music parents Mariana R. and Jenica F. for their incredible support this season. Your involvement makes a difference.
| | This spring, our Positive Youth Troupe (PYT) theater students closed out the season with a vibrant showcase at Pregones/PRTT, sharing monologues, original scenes, songs, and movement. The event was open to the public and brought together families, friends, and community members to celebrate the students’ creative work. | |
Our theater program isn’t just about performance, it is a space where young artists grow in confidence, expression, and leadership. This season, students like Avery R. and Jasmine D. took what they learned in class and used it to land roles in their school plays. And Jordan A.’s growth and dedication as a young artist were recognized with a nomination for a prestigious Posse Arts Scholarship—an incredible honor. (Pictured: Jordan A. with PYT Director Willa Bost.)
| | In addition to guiding her students through a powerful season, Willa also represented Mind-Builders internationally as a lead contributor at the International Black Theatre Summit in Ghana, where she shared strategies on culturally grounded arts education, bringing fresh ideas and inspiration back to her work with students here. | *Attendees of the International Black Theater Summit in Ghana | | The Dr. Beverly J. Robinson Community Folk Culture Program wrapped up its 2024–25 season with a focus on storytelling, identity, and community connection. Our interns didn’t just study culture—they documented it, shaped it, and shared it. | | Throughout the semester, interns conducted and edited video interviews with local culture bearers across the Bronx. They spoke with hip-hop legends Rokafella and Kwikstep, artist Manny Vega, board game creator Amurá, and Vaughn Mitchell, the community-minded entrepreneur behind Green Garden Health Food Store. These conversations explored themes of tradition, resilience, and how culture is passed from one generation to the next. | | |
As we prepare to welcome the next cohort, we celebrate our interns for stepping confidently into their roles as documentarians, cultural workers, and emerging leaders.
| | *Pictured from left to right: Mind-Builders Student Council members Arianna H., Alyssa H., Kamilah W., Gavrielle G., and Eiliyah E. | |
Leading with Purpose
This year, a passionate group of students came together to launch the Mind-Builders Student Council—a student-led team created to amplify youth voices and bring new energy, ideas, and leadership to our community. So far, they’ve planned a festive Harvest Fest, led multiple Spirit Weeks, and are already thinking ahead to events like a Talent Show and Community Service Day.
But the impact goes beyond events. Here’s what some of our Council members had to say about what they’ve learned:
Kamilah W., President
“Leadership isn’t just about giving directions—it’s about listening and making space for everyone’s voice. This experience has helped me speak up more in class and step into leadership roles with confidence.”
Alyssa H., Vice President
“I’ve learned how to stand firm while still being kind, even when working with close friends. These skills are helping me get ready to run for president at my school next year.”
Gavrielle G., Secretary
“Being elected taught me accountability, and presenting at meetings gave me the confidence to lead outside of Mind-Builders—like captaining my sports team.”
Eiliyah E., Treasurer
“Being treasurer taught me how to plan and manage a real budget and communicate clearly with a team. Outside of Mind-Builders, I’ve noticed I’m more organized and proactive, especially when it comes to managing school projects and leading group work.”
Arianna H., Marketing
“Being on the council has taught me how to really listen to different perspectives and manage my time better between school and leadership work.”
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Want to learn more?
The Student Council is looking for new members who want to lead, grow, and be part of something bigger. If you’ve got ideas and passion, we want to hear from you!
Email us at info@mind-builders.org.
| | A Legacy of Presence and Care | | |
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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ms. Carol Nesby, an unwavering supporter of Mind-Builders and a beloved presence in our community. Ms. Nesby was more than a volunteer. She was a steady light in our hallways, our performances, and our lives.
For years, Ms. Nesby showed up for Mind-Builders in multiple, powerful ways. She cheered from the audience, tabled at events, supported the Work Exchange Program, and brought her fun and engaging presence to our marketplace and showcases. No matter the occasion, we knew Ms. Nesby would be there—offering encouragement, lifting others up, and helping the community feel seen and supported.
She had a special way of bringing people together. It was her idea to start arts and crafts in the café on Saturdays, giving kids a creative outlet while their parents had a moment to breathe. She brought patience and warmth to every child she sat with, making sure each one felt noticed, valued, and heard. Ms. Nesby made Mind-Builders feel like home. She helped us build community in the small moments, simply by showing up with heart.
She was a sister in dance, a mentor, an aunt, and a friend. As one community member shared, “I’ve danced with her, for her, and as her teacher. She was an aunt to my daughter. Her presence will be missed.”
To all who knew and loved Ms. Nesby, we extend our deepest condolences. Her spirit will always be a part of Mind-Builders. We will remember her not just for what she did, but for how she made us feel: seen, supported, and loved.
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Gabriel is graduating from the High School for Contemporary Arts as VALEDICTORIAN, proudly earning a 4.0 GPA.
Over the past four years, he’s been an active part of Mind-Builders, participating in Martial Arts, PYT, and even lending a hand backstage for this year’s dance recital.
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Gabriel plans to study computer science and software engineering at Lehman College. His interests span a wide range, from music and digital production to writing action fiction and exploring his faith.
We are so proud of Gabriel’s accomplishments and can’t wait to see all the paths he continues to pursue.
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025 | | *Pictured: Graduating seniors at our "Rites of Passage Ceremony" event last month | |
We’re incredibly proud of our graduating seniors—each one has left their mark here at Mind-Builders. Whether they are heading to college, starting new journeys, or finding their next steps, they carry the heart and creativity that defines this community.
Graduating Seniors & Colleges
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Alfa B.
Nicholas B. - New Paltz
Nina B. - Iona
Emily C. - NYU
Hadja D.
Renelle F. - Hunter
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Ebony G. - BMCC
Adanna G. - Purchase
Gabriel H. - Lehman
Hyrum H.
Bennett J.
Suraiya M. - High Point
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Alejandra P. - Mercy
Najah P. - Spelman
Daysha S.
Dominic T. - Lehman
Jaelyn V.
Sky V. - Hunter
| | And a Big Shoutout to Our Tiny Graduates! | |
We are also proud of our youngest Mind-Builders—this past month, our UPK students celebrated their graduation from Pre-K! With friends, family, and plenty of smiles, they marked a joyful milestone on their learning journey. We can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
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July 2025
August 2025
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August 4 – Fall Registration Begins
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August 10 – Last Week of Summer Programs
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August 15 – Folk Culture Final Presentation
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August 24 – 30 – Office Closed, Summer Reset
September 2025
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September 18 & 20 – Mind-Builders Dance Merit Scholarship Auditions
| | For additional details, closures, and event updates, click here to view our full calendar on our website. | | Involvement Opportunities | | We would love for you to get involved at Mind-Builders! We believe that the arts are for everyone, and high-quality arts education should be too. | | Adults in our Work Exchange Program commit to a weekly schedule in exchange for one free class for themselves or their child. Applicants are selected after a simple interview process. | | Want to give back to your community? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with events, classes, and administrative tasks. Your support helps us keep the arts accessible to everyone. | | Your generous donations allow us to continue offering arts programs to our community. Please consider making a donation today and help us provide opportunities for creative growth and learning. | | | |  | |
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
3415 Olinville Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
718-652-6256 | www.mind-builders.org
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