THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 1995 TAG: 9511040124
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
The nervous teenage brides were both from Tallwood High School.
The tuxedoed groomsmen were about the same age.
The others in the wedding party and accompanying string quartet were anywhere from elementary age on up.
It wasn't a real wedding. It was more of a bridal fashion show, but the events of the day at the Bridal Festival at Brewer's East Inn near the Municipal Center last weekend gave students a novel way to use skills they are learning in school in real-life settings.
It's all part of a new program in city public schools called A2 or Arts 'n Academics.
According to Phyllis Cannon, health and human services coordinator for city schools, ``The program is designed to integrate academics with technical careers.''
Bonnie Fisher, the school system's public information coordinator, said it showcases the talents of both students and teachers in the community. Support from local businesses is a big part of the program.
``We have an art collection now at McBroom Pools, done by Tallwood Elementary students, that traveled to Atlanta to the National Spa and Pool Institute Convention,'' Fisher said.
Also, NJROTC students performed recently at the grand opening of NationsBank at Hilltop, and the Ocean Lakes High School Chorus will sing at a big United Way Rally. This month the floral arranging class at the Career Development Center will help with the flowers at the Chrysler Museum for the Teacher of the Year Award ceremony.
At the Bridal Festival, students from elementary through high school got to show off their talents by participating as models, hostesses and musicians. Some students, such as ``bride'' Danni Terry of Tallwood High, take clothing classes. Not only did they model bridal and prom fashions, but they got a chance to see all the different designs and how well they are made - useful information for students planning to pursue careers in fashion design. Amber Saunders was the other bride.
Some of the male models weren't taking clothing classes but thought the festival would be fun and maybe helpful in the future.
Justin Maestri, a senior at Salem High School, has done modeling for JC Penney and has been accepted at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a part of New York University in New York City. Justin said a career as a professional model has been his goal for several years, and an opportunity like this through the school system is an asset.
Other groomsmen models, Edric Carter, Mike Jarrad, Brandon Rindler and Justin Cole, who spent about 30 minutes elbowing each other for a look in the mirror, pretty much just wanted to have fun.
Local business participation is the backbone of the new program, Fisher said. Fifteen local businesses helped sponsor the festival. Astro Disc Jockeys provided the sound system and students were the emcees. David's Bridal provided the gowns and Master's Tuxedo the tuxedos.
``Not only is it a great avenue to showcase the students and teacher's talents, but it sends a very positive message to the business community,'' Fisher said.
Brewer's East donated the space and cooked and served the refreshments for free. Matthew Brown, general manager, sees his company's participation in the A2 program as a way to help fill in the financial gap left by government funding.
``We're really excited by this program,'' Brown said. ``We can't keep waiting for government funding for the arts and endowments. We need to help come up with these funds on the community level, and this program is one good solution. It gives these students an opportunity to learn hands-on that they wouldn't have any other way.''
Brown said the festival was just the first of many activities the family-owned company hopes to be involved in.
Because A2 is self-perpetuating, the $10 guests paid to attend the festival went back into the program to help it expand. It also paid for things such as equipment, music, materials, even gas for buses to take kids to and from events.
While the program is just beginning to make inroads in the business community, Fisher said the positive effects are already being felt throughout the school system.
``The kids that have been involved in these activities so far love this program,'' she said. ``They are so proud of themselves and the things that they're doing, it's just fabulous. And it's really bringing out the incredible talent we have in our teachers.''
The program, which is city-wide from kindergarten through 12th grade, has plans for several concerts through the month of December, and an art show is planned for Pembroke Mall in April. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LORRAINE MIZE
Amber Saunders, a student at Tallwood High School, models a bridal
gown in the fashion show at Brewer's East Inn.
by CNB