Roberto Clemente Community Academy

Two Roberto Clemente Junior ROTC students were chosen as first and second place winners in the Junteenth Expressions of Freedom Essay Contest. Isis Sanchez (First Place) and Walter Blake (Second Place) will both receive a cash value in savings bonds for their achievement.

The winners will be asked to present their essays Sunday, June 20, 2010 at the Juneteenth Jazz Stage (1809 E. 71st Street) at 4:30pm.  At that time all  winners will be presented with a certificate and awarded prizes.

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, Roberto Clemente Community Academy students along with community members, parents and teachers led the 15th Annual Walk for Peace coordinated by ALSO (Alliance of Local Service Organizations), Cease Fire, and La Capilla del Barrio.  The march kicked off in front of Clemente with multiple stations around the front entrance highlighting student talent.  Culinary Arts students passed out delicious carrot cake cupcakes while service learners painted faces with symbols of peace, Clemente wildcats, and the Puerto Rican flag.  Onlookers had a chance to appreciate artwork by students hung in the school's lobby windows and appreciate the skill of Clemente’s Archery Team who, earlier this year, ranked first in the city.  Although a summer storm moved in causing heavy rain, the crowd huddled under the overhang to enjoy the tropical rhythms of the legendary Clemente Steel Drum Band.

After opening remarks by Principal Leonard Kenebrew, Student Council Representative Waleska Rivera, Principal of Pedro Albizu Campos High School, Matt Rodriguez, and Joy McCormack, mother of slain DePaul student Frankie Valencia, the crowd took to the streets carrying messages of community unity and peace.  The final destination was the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, located on the corner of Division and Humboldt, where hundreds gathered for the unveiling of Paseo Boricua’s new municipal flag and to enjoy a peaceful afternoon of dancing, 3-on-3 basketball, and skating.  The march and its activities were a display of support for peace.

Clemente Drama Club members just finished their performance run of their own play "There's More to Me than What You See" (Click here for photos of the play.)  According to Ms McGee, the club sponsor, "The purpose of the title and performance was to address issues that teenagers face today, and rid the ugly head of stereotypes that exist for our children.  Our students are looked upon as incompetent and do not have anything to offer to the world.  I wanted to dismiss this stereotype by showcasing their talents.  I witnessed the students transform right before my eyes.  So many of them soared with this club.  I am grateful to have been a part of such an event."

The club had a little over a month to prepare for their performances on May 26. However, the students' dedication and sheer perseverance allowed them to see their play come to fruition.

The Drama Club got assistance from the Black Ensemble Theater's Sidney Miller (drama instructor) and Jackie Taylor (owner) who coached students on acting techniques and preparation.