ChiArts Seniors Fundraise for Dance Conservatory Activities Amid School Budget Shortfall
Students Take Initiative to Preserve Senior Traditions
ChiArts dance seniors Leila Jackson and Adamari Hernandez have started two fundraisers to raise money for custom Class of ’25 dance jackets, headshot picture frames, and costumes for shows and after-school performances, which have been cut due to budget constraints.
Tradition Meets Budget Cuts
In past years, it has been tradition for dance seniors to perform twice in the school’s theater with multiple costumes for the show and to have headshots framed and displayed in the hallway. However, school officials told Jackson that budget cuts have eliminated money to pay for the picture frames, different show costumes, and a second performance for the senior showcase inside the school theater.
Students Take Matters into Their Own Hands
Disappointed by the news, Jackson and her friend took matters into their own hands, determined to not let the budget cuts limit their senior experience. “We want the same experience as classes before us,” Jackson said. “We want to be able to have more shows and to also perform in the theater and not the dance studio.”
Fundraising Efforts
Jackson’s fundraiser has raised nearly $600 of its $1,500 goal, while Hernandez’s fundraiser has raised nearly $1,500 out of its $3,500 goal. Money donated to each will be combined and will go toward the same experiences. Jackson was pleasantly surprised by the donations and is grateful to all who have helped.
A Community Effort
Her mother, Leia Jackson, who helped organize the fundraiser, said she is proud of her daughter and friend’s initiative to help the dance seniors. She wants to see more parents get involved. “This cut diminishes their legacy, and they want it to be as strong as classes before and stay for classes after,” Leia Jackson said.
The Impact of Budget Cuts
The dance fundraisers are examples of the negative impact of the budget cuts, said Megan Pietz, an English teacher and union chair of the CTU Union for Scholar Artists. “Across all conservatories, major cuts have been made that impact student performances, materials and supplies, and staffing,” Pietz said.
School Response
Tina Boyer Brown, the school’s executive director, said art departments had to reduce certain expenditures “that do not directly affect students’ academic and arts education” to address the expected financial shortfalls. School administrators were recently made aware of the senior fundraisers, she said.
Conclusion
The ChiArts dance seniors’ fundraising efforts demonstrate their commitment to preserving their senior traditions despite the school’s budget constraints. The school’s response highlights the challenges faced by arts programs in the face of budget cuts.
FAQs
Q: What are the ChiArts dance seniors fundraising for?
A: They are raising money for custom Class of ’25 dance jackets, headshot picture frames, and costumes for shows and after-school performances.
Q: Why are the fundraisers necessary?
A: Budget cuts have eliminated money to pay for the picture frames, different show costumes, and a second performance for the senior showcase inside the school theater.
Q: How much have the fundraisers raised so far?
A: Jackson’s fundraiser has raised nearly $600 of its $1,500 goal, while Hernandez’s fundraiser has raised nearly $1,500 out of its $3,500 goal.
Q: What is the goal of the fundraisers?
A: The goal is to raise enough money to purchase the items that the school previously purchased, such as picture frames, costumes, and dance jackets.
