|
It’s exciting to see Orange Street School being used as a place where young people can try something new, discover what they enjoy and build skills. This historic building, which started out as one of the first publicly funded schools for Black children in our community and is the birthplace of E.E. Smith High School, is once again a place where young people come to learn.
Through programming focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, Orange Street School is once again providing opportunities for young people to learn, discover their interests and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation and our community partners are bringing that programming to life, and the renovated building includes a music lab, a science lab, a technology and art lab and a historic classroom. When we invest in spaces and programs like these, we’re investing in our young people and in Fayetteville’s future.
This weekend, the Orange Street School Fall Music Festival gives us a chance to celebrate that work. More than 120 students have taken part in music classes and music programs at Orange Street. For many of them, it’s a chance to pick up an instrument, learn from a mentor, try out a music lab and discover a talent they didn’t know they had. Along the way, they’re building skills like creativity, teamwork and confidence that will serve them well beyond the stage.
Students from the Orange Street Music Education Lab Youth Groups will perform alongside special artists at a free concert. It’s a chance for them to share what they’ve learned with family, friends and neighbors, and for all of us to see what happens when young people have a welcoming space and people who believe in them. Come enjoy the music and cheer them on.
Parents and caregivers, I encourage you to learn more about the youth programs at Orange Street. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation offers programs there, and the space is also open to community partners who want to share their own programs with young people. Many people think of Parks and Recreation as sports, and the department certainly offers leagues, camps and recreation center programs. But it also offers youth development and cultural arts programs, school-related programs and activities for all ages. Together with our partners, they give young people room to explore their interests, build confidence and make new friends. A welcoming space and a chance to try something new can make a real difference, and it’s great to see Orange Street offering those opportunities to our community.
There’s more to enjoy this weekend, too. Downtown’s October 4th Friday and District Fall Festival runs tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. Stop by the book crawl, catch some music, shop downtown and enjoy the fall activities. On Saturday, Festival Park hosts Battle for the Mainstage, featuring 18 acts competing for a chance to open for a headliner at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. Admission is free, and music starts at 10:30 a.m.
It’s a lovely weekend to get out, spend time together and support the people and programs that make Fayetteville special. Bring a light jacket and enjoy all that’s happening around your City.
Best,
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett
| 
