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BAVPA provides excellent educational preparation for careers or future study in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and media, along with competitive and extrac NEWS & UPDATES New BAVPA Website On February 9th, this current website will transition to a new site. This website will no longer be available after February 9th. Mid-Winter Recess (No School) February 16th-20th SBMT Virtual Meeting (Budget Meeting for BAVPA) Tuesday, February 24th, 3-4 PM Zoom Meeting ID: 619 689 0225 Passcode: BAVPASBMT UPCOMING EVENTS

Distinguished Alumni Daniel Croix A graduate of BAVPA from 2022, he trained at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts & Film at Purchase College. He is an actor/director and most notably recognized from his recently roles in Tyler Perry's "The Oval" and "Manhunt." You can follow him on Instagram His IMDB page can be found here . @daniel.croix @daniel.croix @daniel.croix @daniel.croix Aitina Fareed-Cooke A graduate of BAVPA from 2022, she was recently crowned the title of Buffalo Poet Laureate by Mayor Byron Brown. Her production company, Get Fokus'd Productions You can follow her on Instagram Creative Artist Bio Site Get Fokus'd X Get Fokus'd Productions @aitheanomaly @aitheanomaly @aitheanomaly @aitheanomaly Crisanta Melendez Graduating BAVPA in 2004 as a Vocal Major, Crisanta pursued a variety of career choices until she moved to Orlando, FL to go back to school for Journalism. After she took an elective class in film, she decided that was going to be her career. After graduating with an Associate's Degree, she moved back to Buffalo and went to the University at Buffalo where she received her Bachelor's in Film Studies at the age of 28. After graduating UB in 2014, she moved to LA - not a dime in her pocket. Based on her previous work experiences, some luck, and networking, she landed a job at a boutique Visual Effects studio and fell under the wing of another SUNY graduate who had a deep love for WNY. Two weeks into LA, she landed a job at Luma Pictures. She has worked on films such as Ant-Man, Age of Adeline, Heart of the Sea and Avengers: Age of Ultron. She has coordinated over 30 movie and TV shows including: Westworld Seasons 1 &2, Gotham Seasons 2-4, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and many more. She has also produced multiple music videos. She has been honored by The Television Academy with an Emmy in 2017 for Outstanding Visual Effects Production on HBO's Westworld and currently is an active member (meaning she gets to vote for who wins!) Now, she holds a position at Amazon Studios where she hires the creative VFX teams for the feature films produced. She enjoys this position the most as her days are no longer 10-12 hours and she also gets to help her friends stay employed. She just finished shooting a comedy starring Eddie Murphy called "The Pickup" and she's currently managing about 17 other movies in varying stages of production! Her IMDB page cane be found here . Chris McMillan From the class of 2014, Chris has since earned his Bachelor's of Arts in Organizational-Human Resource Emphasis and Leadership Studies from McKendree. He also competed on the Men's Bowling Team and became a Collegiate National Champion. He returned to McKendree to pursue his Master's in Performance Psychology and Leadership where he graduated in May 2024. He also served as the Graduate Assistant Coach and will now serve as the Assistant for the Men's Bowling Team. He also competed at the Team USA trials and made the short list of people to watch in 2021-2022. He currently works as a Mindset Performance Coach and is pursing his certifications to work with the International Olympic Committee while aiming to pursue another Master's and Doctorate degree. Chelsey Harvey Since graduating in 2023, Chelsey has thrived at Purchase College in their Theater Design and Technology program as a Stage Manager. She has been able to work on multiple shows, learned how to load shows in and out and run the crews for two shows. Included are pictures of her working in the shop, part of her drafting, a portfolio review and a door she helped build for a show! Darniece Carter A graduated from 2021, Darniece is the author of two books that are currently available on Amazon. She is now attending college with a major in Social Work, made the Dean's List for 23-24 and graduating in 2025. She intends to pursue her Master's Degree after. She is working on her third book, Unveiling Her Essence and will be celebrating 5 years of her non-profit organization in August. Her books can be purchased here: Beauty Arise Beauty Arise, Let's Become Empowered and Inspired Nahiem Paris After graduating from BAVPA, Nahiem pursued a double major in Theatre and Performance, as well as Arts Management at SUNY Purchase. He founded Fusion X, a dance team that continues to thrive under the leadership of a former backup dancer for Sean Paul. Recognized for his dedication and promise in theatre and dance fields, Nahiem received the prestigious Samara Joy award upon graduation. He's had the honor of collaborating with Broadway artists like Kevin Curtis (Moulin Rouge, Back to the Future) and Hettie Bernhill (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Leap of Faith). Additionally, Nahiem contributed to the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY in Albany. Currently, he plans to pursue an MBA & MFA in order to establish his own arts academy in Buffalo in the future. You can follow her on Instagram @fusion_xdance @fusion_xdance @fusion_xdance @fusion_xdance Calandrea is a graduate from the class of 2016 as a Dance Major and still continues to dance. She has obtained her Associates Degree in Psychology, made the Dean's List and also a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She plans on finishing her schooling after giving birth to her first child this summer. Her favorite jobs thus far have been becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, teaching children with autism developmental skills and currently a case worker for refugees, helping them get on their feet after entering our country. She loves being able to help people in our community and wants to continue doing so. On the side, she still loves dancing and takes dance classes whenever she can. She's currently also modeling and recently did New York Fashion Week at the end of 2023 and Berlin Fashion Week. You can follow her on Instagram Calandrea Hall @foreverypretty1_ @foreverypretty1_ @foreverypretty1_ @foreverypretty1_ A graduate of BAVPA from 2022, she is currently going into her junior year at Columbia College in Chicago. She is a dance major and creative writing minor. In her free time, she has also been pursuing a career in modeling which includes walking in shows for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for Chicago Fashion Coalition to countless of runway shows and photo shoots for local designers and photographers. Next semester she will be running for Vice President for the Modeling Troupe she belongs to and where they teach models the fundamentals of the modeling industry including walking, how to book gigs, professionalism to runway techniques. You can follow her on Instagram Na'Ima Flores @curlymajiste @curlymajiste @curlymajiste @curlymajiste Parker Souter A graduate of BAVPA from 2020, Parker has recently graduated Cum Laude from University at Buffalo earning a Bachelor's of Arts in Criminology with a minor in History. Not too long ago, Parker moved back to Buffalo after living in Pittsburgh, PA, having worked as a photographer for local musicians. In Buffalo, they currently work for Mental Health Advocates of WNY while also starting their own screen printing business, "Sout's Screen Prints." You can follow them on Instagram @souts.screenprints @souts.screenprints @souts.screenprints @souts.screenprints Kayla Coniglio Kayla graduated from Performing Arts in 2014 as a theater major as one of the originals! BAVPA set the stage for her "to out into the world and get everything she wanted!" She is currently working on her Bachelors of Arts to become a Special Needs Teacher while also being a full time nanny. Since graduating BAVPA, she has earned her Associate's Degree, a CDA certificate from working at a daycare, and CPR certification for people and animals. She would like to thank Ms. Beuth for her wisdom and education throughout her time at Performing Arts. She especially misses starting off her day with Ms. Beuth's theater class. She hopes all are doing well and looks forward to seeing what the new BAVPA students bring to the world! Eric Harris Upon graduating from BAVPA, Eric enrolled Villa Maria College to follow his career as a trumpet player. He is looking to start his own music performance business as an independent trumpet performer. He would love to help people see the beauty of music and why it is so important to him and in our lives. He plans on attending Graduate school after he graduates from Villa Maria. He is currently employed by the Buffalo Museum of Science as a part-time birthday party facilitator. You can follow him on Instagram: @eric_harris843 @eric_harris843 @eric_harris843 @eric_harris843 Alyssia Randazzo Graduating from Performing Arts in 2022, Alyssia is currently in the Honor's program at Daemen University. They're heading into their junior year in the Illustration program. They have had their work in the Daemen's undergrad art show every year. Alyssia is now preparing a portfolio for a future in tattooing and preparing for junior year. To view some of their artwork and commission, follow their Instagram here: @randalaska @randalaska @randalaska @randalaska

BPO Side-by-Side concert with Arts Academy students. BAVPA Side by Side Concert Final Concert is Free & Opern to the Public BPO & BAVPA PARTNERSHIP The Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts joins the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for an in-depth, side-by-side experience for the music department students, while also providing a showcase for all the disciplines at BAVPA, including visual arts, media arts, drama and dance. Music students at BAVPA receive coaching sessions from BPO musicians leading up to the concert, and students from other departments prepare dramatic scenes, artwork, visuals and choreography that is incorporated into the program. The public is invited free of charge to experience the phenomenal talents of Buffalo’s rising artists. DSC_0645 DSC_0645 DSC_0646 DSC_0644 DSC_0643 DSC_0642 DSC_0639 DSC_0641 DSC_0640 DSC_0709

Major Departments Click the corresponding button for more departmental information Media Communications Music Dance Theatre Arts Technical Theatre Visual Arts

Class of 2025 Class of 2025 Class of 2025 Class of 2025 Class of 2025 Graduation Videographers: Christopher Anderson & Mr. Riffel The Space Between the Bell Produced By: Nabiha Rahmani Senior Sign Out Produced By: Rosary Javier & Liam Harris Senior Portrait Slideshow Curated By: Juniper Hough Senior Class Day Rose Ceremony Videographers: Isaiah Firestone & Christopher Anderson Lana Interviews Disaster! Interviewers & Videographers: Alana Costner & Briah Burney Walk-A-Thon Video Director: Alana Costner Pep Rally Video Videographers: Charlie B, Breena H, Zailah H, Kiera C Volleyball Senior Night Video Director: Alana Costner Volleyball Senior Photos Photographer: Nabiha Rahmani Senior Highlight Reel Curated By: Jada'Nae Jones Class of 2025 Graduation Photos Photographers: Mr. Riffel, Rosary Javier, Tion Thomas & Ms. Glorioso Class of 2025 Black Box Portraits Photographer: Mr. Riffel Senior Class Day Rose Ceremony Photographers: Mr. Riffel, Rosary Javier & Tion Thomas Prom 2K25 Photos Photographer: Adriel Ramos Prom 2025 Photos Photographer: Rosary Javier Softball Sectional Photos Photographer: Adriel Ramos Orchestra Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Media Major Photos Photographer: Nabiha Rahmani Guitar Major Photos Photographer: Nabiha Rahmani Winter Spirit Week Photos Photographer: Teagan C & Zailah H Pep Rally Photos Photographer: Teagan Cannan Fall Spirit Week Photos Photographer: Juniper H, Elijah S, Nabiha R, Nailea G, Charlie B, Tion T, & Teagan C Walk-A-Thon Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Swim Senior Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Girls Varsity Basketball Senior Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Soccer Senior Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Golf, Cheer & Cross Country Senior Photos Photographer: Alana Costner Cheerleading Senior Photos Photographer: Alana Costner

Learn more about the Administrators at the Buffalo Arts Academy. Ms. Jody Covington School Principal Email: JCovington@buffaloschools.org “School is not a place that judges you. It is a place where people help your brain grow new connections” Mrs. Rebecca Ryan Secondary Assistant Principal Email: RLRyan@buffaloschools.org Mrs. Ryan has been a teacher in the Buffalo Public School system since 1998, teaching 2nd & 4th grade and also Special Education. She has been an assistant principal at BAVPA since 2015. She enjoys listening to music, outdoor activities, her Rottweiler, and spending time with her family. Winner of the Excellence in Education Assistant Principal of the Year Award (2023). "We should not judge people by their peak of excellence, but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started" - Henry Ward Beecher Ms. Lizzy Crispin Secondary Assistant Principal Email: LCCrispin@buffaloschools.org Lizzy Crispin joined the Buffalo Public School district as a high school Biology teacher in 2004. Born to Dominican parents, Ms. Crispin migrated to the United States at the age of 15. A Canisius College alumni, Ms. Crispin began her career as a high school Biology teacher, teaching a plethora of courses within the sciences. She then moved on to become a school administrator in 2012. During her tenure at McKinley High School, where she taught Biology, she also became the Girls’ Varsity Track & Field coach. She enjoys traveling, dancing, exploring nature and reading. She is thrilled to have joined the team at BAVPA where she is enjoying getting to know all the talented students and families, as well as the faculty & staff. Mr. Anthony Riccio Secondary Assistant Principal Email: ASRiccio@buffaloschools.org Mr. Riccio is an educator of 19 years before arriving at BAVPA as an assistant principal. He has taught English Language Arts and writing for Buffalo Academy of Science and Tapestry charter schools and with the Buffalo Prep program. He enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and has coached travel baseball for several years. "You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water" - Rabindranath Tagore

Find application and admissions information here. Saturday, November 15th 7:45 AM-12 PM Saturday, November 22nd 7:45 AM-12 PM Middle School Student Profile Form BPS Elementary/Middle School Application For more information regarding grade 5-8 auditions, please contact the school at 716-816-4220 or email info@buffaloartsacademy.org Grades 5-8 Auditions Saturday, October 18th 7:45 AM-12 PM Saturday, October 25th 7:45 AM-12 PM High School Student Profile Form BPS High School Application For more information regarding grade 9-12 auditions, please contact the school at 716-816-4220 or email info@buffaloartsacademy.org Grades 9-12 Auditions APPLIQUER AU BAVPA Choisissez le département auquel vous postulerez (voir ci-dessous) Remplissez le formulaire de placement de district du BPS (bientôt disponible) Rubrique Scoring: Audition 70%, Bilan 25%, Formulaire de recommandation 5% Open call auditions are open for the 2026 -2027 year. Please contact our school phone number (716-816-4220) to set up an audition for potential students or email info@buffaloartsacademy.org . Students must submit a "Student Profile Form" (labeled as "Middle School Student Profile Form" for Grades 5-8 and "High School Student Profile Form" for Grades 9-12 Auditions above). All potential incoming students must complete a BPS High School Application or BPS Elementary Application . Recommendation and Teacher Evaluation Forms located in the application must be completed as well. Students should check the Audition Requirements located under the Admissions tab on the school’s website for further explanation of what will be expected of each artistic area and how to prepare for the in-person audition. Students must come to the Arts Academy to complete an In-Person Audition at the school for one of the following artistic areas: Grades 9 – 12 - Dance, Instrumental Music, Media Communications, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, and Differentiated Technical Theatre & Maintenance (the DTTM program is only available for students who have an I.E.P. plan). Grade 5 – 8 - Dance, Instrumental Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music Acceptance Rubric Scoring : Audition: 70% Student's Academic Standing: 25% Teacher Recommendation: 5% Contact our school for further information, 716-816-4220 or email info@buffaloartsacademy.org Audition Procedures Cliquez sur les liens du département ci-dessous pour en savoir plus sur la façon de postuler. Media Communications Music Dance Theatre Arts Technical Theatre Visual Arts

CLASS OF 2024 PROM PHOTOS SENIOR SLIDESHOW Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony BLACK BOX GRADUATION PORTRAITS GRADUATION CANDIDS & GROUP SHOTS GRADUATION CEREMONY

Top of Page Class Leadership Senior Portraits Class of 2021 Graduation Graduation Program Graduation Photo Album Class Day Gallery Senior Superlatives Proud Moments at Arts Then & Now ART Major News Website Menu Senior Portraits Class of 2021 Leadership Class Leadership Class of 2021 Graduation Commencement Printed Program CLASS OF 2021 PHOTO ALBUMS DAY 1 VISUAL ARTS DANCE MEDIA DAY 2 MUSIC DAY 3 THEATRE THEATER TECH CLASS DAY 2021 Graduation Program Graduation Photo Album Class Day 2021 Class Day Gallery Senior Superlatives Senior Superlatives Senior Superlatives Proud Moments at Arts Proud Moments at Arts Then & Now Then & Now To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. ART Major News CLICK HERE TO SEE STUDENT PRODUCTION & NEWS HOME CALENDAR ADMISSION & AUDITIONS OPEN HOUSE THE ARTS ON STAGE CLASS OF 2022 New Page New Page Arts On The Wire Student Blog STUDENT LIFE QUICK LINKS Search Results More Website Menu

Principal Message SENIORS Class of 2024 Class of 2022 Grade 8 Class of 2023 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 5 Staff Sports ARTS Majors Candids Web Site Menu VICTORY OVER ADVERSITY 2020-2021 Virtual Yearbook LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO OUR FRONTLINE WORKERS Nurse Donovan THANK YOU for all you do to keep BAVPA Safe, Clean, & Healthy! Be Able to have Victory and Power over Adversity Greetings to the Class of 2021 and the Arts Academy family! We have made it through another school year of having to adjust our lives around the challenges presented by the pandemic. What I find most remarkable is that this also marks another year where the strength and resilience of our students have shown the tremendous ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles towards success. Seniors, you truly exemplify what it means to “Be Able to have Victory and Power over Adversity.” One can only imagine what the next months and years will have in store, however, what I am certain about is the capacity that each of you has in mastering what your heart desires for life. You may have plans to attend college, or pursue a career in the military, or join the workforce after high school. Whatever your plans are you have been undoubtedly equipped to take on the demands of committing to your goals. There’s no better time than now to reflect on your momentous accomplishments as BAVPA alumni, no matter how big or how small during your tenure at the Arts Academy. As you begin your journey as a young adult I encourage you to start with a focus on what’s in your immediate control. Build your home-court advantage by taking care of your physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being. Know the importance of personal accountability and the responsibility you owe to your neighbor-that being the person that is in need. Look to use your talent to uplift positivity in your community and in the lives of others. Discover the magic in your words by sharing sentiments that show that you care and that listening with an open mind matters most. Challenge yourself to pay attention to others while mastering your future aspirations. Thank you for not giving up; for staying the course with teachers, and for adapting to new ways of learning. I urge you to enjoy life and to continue dancing, singing, drawing, acting, building, journaling, communicating, and playing your song! On behalf of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts’ administration, teachers, support staff, and partners we CONGRATULATE YOU on a job well-done Class of 2021! Ms. J. Covington, Principal Principal's Message Principal's Message ENTER HERE FOR the CELEBRATION OF THE CLASS OF 2021 SENIORS High School CLASS PICTURES Class of 2022 Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Class of 2023 Class of 2024 Class of 2024 MIDDLE SCHOOL Grade 8 8th Grade Class Pictures Maddison Alvarado Antonette Arrington Jasmyn Barlow William Aytch Marquevious Bradley Madalyn Berti Michael Bradley Kendall Bragg Briah Burney Ava Catanzaro Niyama Choczynski Natalie Colston Nylah Costner Cathlynn Dussault Jarielys Gaymon Meccah Gibson Myshaakan Gibson Harmony Goggins Anisa Jeader Nyasia Lott Clementine McPhail Arianna Negron Melodie Millspaugh Gavin O'Mahen Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 5 NOT PICTURED Administration, Faculty & Staff Staff Ms. Jody Covington, Principal Follow the link below to read the Principal's Message. Mr. J Welka, Assistant Principal Celeste Watson Ms. Jody Covington, Principal Follow the link below to read the Principal's Message. 1/42 DEDICATIONS To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. ATHLETICS Sports Your School News ARTS Majors CLICK HERE TO SEE STUDENT PRODUCTION & NEWS Candids from the Hallways & Classrooms Candids HOME ABOUT ARTS ACADEMY New Page New Page Arts Academy in the News CALENDAR ADMISSION & AUDITIONS ADMISSION & AUDITIONS New Page OPEN HOUSE New Page High School Program Middle School Program About Library Resources THE ARTS Media Communication Music Dance Theatre Arts Technical Theater Visual Arts ON STAGE CLASS OF 2022 New Page New Page New Page Arts On The Wire Student Blog STUDENT LIFE New Page New Page New Page New Page Distinguished Alumni New Page New Page Class of 2023 New Page National Young Artists Foundation YEAR BOOK 2021 Class of 2021 Staff Directory PARENTS CONTACT US FAQ QUICK LINKS Search Results Web Site Menu

Arts Academy Family Resources Here at the Arts Academy we recognize that your student's success is based on the work we do in the school in collaboration with our relationship with you at home. Creating a strong family partnership with you is critical to the success your student will have with us in school. We look forward to seeing you at school and forming a bond that will provide success for your student. Contact the school to learn more about getting involved in your student's school. Email Jcovington@buffaloschools.org to Become a Parent Facilitator Today! Visit the Buffalo Public School Family/Parent Page

Arts Academy Guidance Department Mrs. Wendy Loveria Last Names A-F Email: wloveria@buffaloschools.org Mr. Randall Womack Last Names G-M Email: rwomack@buffaloschools.org Mrs. Tyshae Moore Last Names N-Z Email: tmoore@buffaloschools.org Guidance Supports Guidance Supports: Academic, Social/Emotional/Career/Post-Secondary, Family Academic Planning Academic Planning Annually, each School Counselor will meet with his/her students to complete a record review. The record review is an opportunity for the student and counselor to discuss progress toward graduation in addition to preparing the student for postsecondary life. Financial Aid Assistance/Say Yes The meeting is also designed to be a question and answer periood; students should be armed with questions regarding academic, career and personal/social issues. Guidance Supports Guidance Supports: Academic, Social/Emotional/Career/Post-Secondary, Family 1/11 Guidance Department Offers: 1. Comprehensive Student Support: The guidance staff at BAVPA provides individualized assistance to students, addressing their academic, social, and emotional needs. They offer guidance on course selection, career exploration, and personal growth. 2. Career Planning and Exploration: BAVPA counselors help students explore various artistic and academic pathways. They assist in identifying career interests, setting goals, and planning for post-secondary education or artistic pursuits. 3. Self-Discovery and Personal Development: Students engage in self-reflection, understanding their strengths, interests, and values. Counselors facilitate workshops, discussions, and activities that promote self-awareness. 4. Educational and Vocational Development: BAVPA’s guidance program collaborates with teachers in equipping students with essential skills to ensure that they meet New York State Learning Standards. They guide students in academic planning, study skills, and time management. 5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Counselors work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to create a supportive environment. They collaborate on student success strategies, intervention plans, and academic accommodations. 6. Responsive Services: BAVPA counselors offer crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and emotional support. They address issues related to mental health, stress, and personal challenges 7. College and Career Readiness: Counselors assist students in researching colleges, scholarships, and artistic programs. They organize college fairs, workshops, and visits to enhance students’ readiness for higher education. They assist in the completion of FAFSA, TAP, and Say Yes applications. 8. Resource Hub: The Guidance Suite (Room 224) houses extremely valuable resources for students. Whether it’s scholarship information, mental health resources, or career materials, students can find assistance here.