Recent Events
"Cooking Up a Future" with Dr. Maya Angelou
Thanks to our many corporate, foundation and individual supporters, this year’s Cooking Up a Future event was our biggest fundraiser ever. The event, presented by AOL, Smooth Jazz 105.9 and Sodexho Foundation featured an inspirational message from Dr. Maya Angelou and showcased the work and voices of our talented students. It also marked the release of the first book of Maya Angelou Public Charter School Student Art and Poetry, which will soon be made available on line.
Photo Credit: Marirosa Anderson - Everyday Life Photography |
Now, in its tenth year, Cooking Up a Future celebrated the achievements of the students and alumni of See Forever & MAPCS. The event spotlighted student artwork, performances, and writings that provided a glimpse of life at Maya Angelou Public Charter School. In addition, Cooking Up a Future presented a unique opportunity to convene some 500 local politicians, celebrities, business leaders, MAPCS students, staff and parents and other distinguished guests to recognize, honor and empower our young people.
For the past several years, as a part of Cooking Up a Future, students, staff and alumni of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School completely transform our MAPCS-Shaw Campus in the historic Odd Fellows building at the corner of 9th and T Streets.
This year, before the event, as a part of a full day devoted to volunteer projects, a host of volunteers from City Year DC and AOL partnered with more than 120 MAPCS students and staff to paint stunning murals with eclectic designs throughout the Shaw building. These murals provided a visually stunning backdrop for the event, and they will also remain as shining examples of the student/volunteer partnership. Michael Faulkner, a devoted member of the SFF development team said that, “The vibe in our building was amazing. The overall effect was intriguing, inviting and evoked an immediate sense of celebration of our students and our mission.”
During the evening, guests were offered a taste of life and learning at Maya Angelou Public Charter School through immersion in a student poetry cafe, interactive art projects, galleries of student work and demonstration rooms highlighting the school’s many enrichment programs, its Alumni Support program, our Circle of Friends who have pledged four-year support to our students and more.. Local WUSA TV 9 News Anchor Tracey Neale served as emcee for this magical event. As noted by Cynthia Robbins, SFF & MAPCS Executive Director, “We are grateful for the tremendous support we received this year from every individual supporter, corporations, foundations, and the media. We are pleased with the overall success of the event and look forward to doing even more to meet the needs of our young people going forward.” |
