Creativity + Holiday Spirit at Ramsey Street High School
- Zairis TéJion Miles, Sr.
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
So let's get into this year’s Ramsey Street High School Holiday Showcase! Lets go! Let me put it like this, it wasn’t just an event, It was a whole statement. A celebration of creativity, culture, and community, the showcase brought together visual art, poetry, rap, and live performance in a way that highlighted the brilliance of the school’s students and the dedication of the educators guiding them. Which I truly feel are making a difference.
Walking into the decorated school, guests were greeted with warm vibes, music, festive holiday decorations, and a gallery-style layout that turned the space into a winter art museum.
Honoring the Educators & Teaching Artists Behind the Vision
Yall know we cant forget the people who made the showcase possible, the leadership of two dedicated teachers, Thomas Ferguson and Adrian Baskerville, with support from Principal Lawrence L. Smalls II, whose commitment to student creativity continues to shape the school’s arts culture in a fire way!
Supporting the arts at Ramsey Street High School were guest teaching artists Andre Sansbury and Isaiah Ellsberry, both of them worked closely with students through their Purpose Through Poetry Program, a creative initiative empowering young people to find their voices through written and spoken word. The work that they did definitely showed through the students. For the program, 2025 year marks a milestone: For the first time ever, Ramsey Street High School seniors in the Purpose Through Poetry Program will be awarded scholarships, celebrating their hard work, talent, and growth.
It was a proud moment for the school and a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the tools to express themselves.
A Space Filled With Talent: Visual Arts, Poetry, Rap & Lady Jackets Performance
Teacher Jalen Vince guided the event as he was the emcee keeping the crowd engaged and the energy high. The visual art and performances showcased the full spectrum of student expression:
Visual Art That Spoke Without Words
The art spoke, no words was needed, just your eyes! Students displayed thier artwork, paintings, sketches, digital creations, and mixed-media pieces. All of them was fire I must add! Every piece felt very intentional. Some reflected holiday themes, others explored identity, culture, or personal stories. The gallery served as a quiet but powerful testament to the artistry thriving at Ramsey Street High School. Yall definitely setting the tone. Parents and community members moved slowly through the gallery, really taking in each piece every detail, every emotion, every story the students poured into their work.
"Painted From The Heart" Watercolor Expressions
“Painted From the Heart" showcases a powerful collection of student artwork created through an art therapy-inspired process. In this exhibit, students practiced grounding techniques, slowed their breathing, and reflected deeply on their emotional. landscapes before translating those feelings onto paper using watercolor. Each piece represents a moment of honesty, self-awareness, and emotional release. Through flowing pigments, abstract forms, and intentional color choices, students explored what their inner world might look like if emotions had shape, movement, and texture. This exhibit celebrates vulnerability, creativity, and the healing power of art, highlighting how young artists can use visual expression as a tool for mindfulness, self-discovery, and emotional balance.
"I was feeling very frustrated, sad and very mad. That week I was having a very bad week. Honestly in general when I talk about my feelings to anybody I feel im hurt, Thats the title of the painting "Unheard" I had to get my feelings out on paper. Mr. Ferguson he took the painting and wrote down what it meant when I read what he thought it meant I started to cry because it was exactly what I felt . When I was done with the painting I felt more relieved and very relaxed." – VALERIA SALGUERO MENDOZA
Spoken Word Poetry
Young Poets took the mic with confidence, delivering pieces that ranged from heartfelt and reflective to sharp, rhythmic, and socially aware. I was like oh wow they really like that! Ok I see yall! Let me tell yall, Their voices carried the emotional weight of their experiences and the audience felt every word. Here are two poetry highlights:
Some days I’m tired, some days I’m angry And life moves too fast for me to catch my breath Most days I’m trying to heal the hurt that I carry But it’s hard, and sometimes I forget what peace feels like I see people struggling, working, fighting to survive Life spinning so fast it feels impossible to stay grounded But deep down I know I’m still an expression of success Smart, amazing — growing even through the stress Even when others don’t see me, I’m learning to see myself Proof that even a heavy life can still blossom into strength Poem by AKAYLA WILLIAMS
I should be hooping but I’m in the wrong court Catching charges instead of passing ’cause I’m in the wrong field I was moving so fast in life that I forgot to yield I was ducking and dodging accountability but when it was time to fight, I didn’t need no shield I thought being hard was the right direction, wanted it to be the definition of real But when I started moving smart, I actually knew how to feel I learned the strongest players are the ones who learn to heal So now I’m working on myself instead of running from what’s real Changing my playbook, rewriting how I live Hoping the future looks different from the past I had to forgive Poem by SEAN MCDUFFIE
Rap Performance
A standout rap performance (which I really stood up for) brought raw storytelling and clever lyricism to the stage, blending rhythm, personality, and creativity all in one!
Lady Jackets Performance
The Lady Jackets delivered a spirited performance that brought pride, joy, and school spirit into the room. Their energy uplifted the showcase and added a very entergetic vibe!
A Community Moment to Remember
What made the evening truly special was the unity in the room. Teachers cheering for their students. Parents capturing moments on their phones. Friends encouraging one another from the audience and students stepping into their confidence, knowing their voices mattered. This took a lot of courage to stand in front of their classmates like this. They made it happen!
It wasn’t just a holiday showcase it was an showcase that affirmed the power of creativity, mentorship, and opportunity that is still thriving!
So, Looking Ahead
With new scholarships launching through the Purpose Through Poetry program and continued support from passionate teachers and teaching artists, the future of the arts at Ramsey Street High School is brighter than ever.
This year’s Ramsey Street School Holiday Showcase will be remembered not only for its talent, but for its impact and vibe. A reminder that creativity when nurtured can change lives, open doors, and bring a community closer together.
Zairis T. Miles
Founder & Editor In Chief
