On December 8, the ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest campus was buzzing with excitement, color, and creativity. The occasion? The inaugural Creative Fusion Festival – a vibrant celebration of global cultures, creativity, and community engagement.
Just as the school focuses on a unique blend of arts and STEM, so did the festival. Visitors were treated to free food and entertainment with an array of arts and crafts tables, hands-on STEM activities, grade-level musical performances, and a student art project showcase. There was also face painting, a photo booth, and even a raffle with the chance to win an iPad among other cool prizes.
For student Valerie, the festival was a lot of fun. “There’s activities, a lot of food, pictures, and there’s also a lot of games,” she said. Teacher Adrienne Henderson-Cole was happy families were able to support the student performers, whom she described as “super cute and super excited.”
Beyond the fun and festivities, the Creative Fusion Festival served a deeper purpose. It was about bringing together community partners, showcasing student talent, and “welcoming our community into our school,” as Principal Marissa Schneckloth explained.
Principal Schneckloth saw the event as an opportunity for parents and guardians to experience the school’s unique blend of academics and arts. “Having the music element and the arts and the STEM, all come together in one, really gives parents and guardians the opportunity to see who we are and what we can bring to their children,” she expressed.
Families were thrilled with the festival and the school’s efforts to engage them in their children’s educational journey. Joseph Taylor, a parent, shared, “I’ve never seen the involvement of the parents as they are here and the willingness to partner with the parents. Being able to partner is awesome. That makes being a parent here just a wonderful experience.”
Principal Schneckloth agreed, and emphasized the importance of community partnerships. “They can bring in their resources and expertise and experience and expose our students to things outside of their dreaming and just really motivate them to learn,” she said.
The inaugural Creative Fusion Festival at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest was both a celebration of creativity and community involvement. It was a fun evening filled with joy, learning, and inspiration, leaving participants eagerly anticipating next year’s festival.
