Taliyah is a persistent, charismatic, and confident dance major. She will be attending HBCU, Jackson State University to study Media Communication.

“My proudest experience was being the most voted by my peers

to be their class president.”

How have you changed:

“When I have an idea or something in mind that I want done or wish to have I work towards obtaining it until things are to how I want them to be. On top of that, I'm a person who hasn't always been the most confident, but over the years I have grown to become more comfortable in my own skin and around others to where today, I believe that I am capable of anything in life.”

About my major:

“The feelings I get to express through my craft inspires me within my major. I am able to express my thoughts and feelings within dance to visibly and physically show people my emotional devotion to my craft. Me witnessing live performances by professionals and even by people that I know personally, made me go down this path because it inspired me by evoking something within me that I felt as though was the missing piece to complete me.”

About my school:

“I love how all of the kids here are all so optimistic and we don't tear one another, but rather build each other up. We all want everyone to succeed in life. I will miss the times when me and my dance friends perform together as well as seeing my other friends around in the hallways.”

How people will remember me:

“When people talk about me, I want them to say that I was a fun and all around great person. That I had or have a bright future ahead of me and that I had star quality. I hope people just remember that I'm going places and to be ready to see me shine.”

Myles thinks “Out of the Box.” “I gave it all I had, I can honestly say I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to that place.” Myles plans for next year and life are College, Working, and Traveling.

“One performance can change someone’s world. It changed mine and I plan to change other people’s.”

Favorite production:

“Mid summer, or Les Mis hands down, Les mis gave me the opportunity to step into the character and mold him to what I saw fit. Mid summer was a different beast because one Shakespeare is no easy task and two for some of the process I was in an artistic slump. So dealing with that and getting myself out of that rut and still giving a great performance really solidified that acting was my true calling.”

About my school:

“I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed my time, I think every rehearsal and show that I’ve been a part of is what made it so special for me - my major, my teachers & the bonds I’ve made throughout my 8 years here.”

How people will remember me:

“I want them to remember me how I was.. a Legend... just a lil jokey joke. But for real I want them to remember me as me, the same kid that used to sing and dance down the hallways and make people smile.”

Parting words:

“Just remember... When it’s all said and done and you’re lying in bed in your late 40s. Remember that your entire adult life was based on the decisions of a teenager.”

Sehrea is an incredibly talented musician, vocalist and emerging recording artist; whose work conveys her confidence, emotional intelligence, spirituality and self-awareness. She will be attending a college for music next year, as well as traveling wherever she can offer her gifts of music.

Sehrea, a Vocal Music major, is also a prolific writer and offered the following text to share.

“Three words that best describe me are gifted, beautiful and brilliant. I am gifted because God gave me many gifts to share with the world. I am beautiful because of my spirit... the part of me I cannot see that connects me to the Most High and other beings. I am also beautiful because of my heart ... I care deeply for others and I operate overall off of my inner light which manifests on the outside. Lastly, I am brilliant because of my mind. I have such an amazing imagination, a profound thought pattern and very open to new ideas! I know the power of my mind in relation to the universe ... how my unspoken and spoken words can affect the balance of all that is within and outside of me.”

"Music is the language of the universe in which every single living thing innately understands. It is one of the forces that connects us all to each other. It is everything I am composed of and so denying music is denying myself. It is how I create. How I express myself. How I communicate to other people. "

Favorite Production:

"My favorite production I was involved with has to be the one my mother had at Shea’s Theatre 710. It was her CD release concert that took place on February 7th. It was one of the most fulfilling, uplifting, transcending events that I have ever been a part of. What a gift."

About my school:

"I will miss performing with Resonance junior year. Also, I’ll miss always seeing favorite people and having jam sessions with them. I appreciate this school actually because if I would’ve never gone here, I would’ve never learned the lessons I’ve learned at the time I was supposed to. I wouldn’t be here. I want them to recognize me for being respectable, luminous, royal, creative, etc."

Parting Words:

"Asé, which is a West African term that means 'and it is', to everything I just said and will say. It is a conformational term that is used for manifestation.”

Rahrah, is a wise, charismatic and energized musician. He is proud of his work with the String Ensemble and being a part of the County Orchestra. He will be attending college next year and looking for outlets to express himself through music.

Favorite Production:

“The Laramie project stands out because it was an opportunity to work with like minded individuals to create a piece of art.”

About My School:

“My time at the arts academy was well spent with training, with moments of happiness, cracking jokes with friends and creating music. I liked working with other artists. I’ll miss being in productions.”

How people will remember me:

“I want people to remember how hard I worked and how good I was.”

IMANI is a strong leader in the National Honor Society (she was mistakenly absent from our last post).

Imani, a gifted dance major, will be heading to Buffalo State College next year to study biology with the pursuit of becoming a Physician's Assistant.

Imani's quest for knowledge, her compassion for others and her generosity of spirit will certainly lead her to greatness in her pursuits.

PARKER, a creative filmmaker in the Media Communication department, is a great student that is witty, adventurous and a bit impulsive - all ingredients for great creative film work. Parker will be going to UB in the fall, working part-time, and they plan to travel on their breaks.

About My Major:

“The thing I loved was the freedom to create anything we wish.”

Favorite Production:

“A water pollution documentary where I interviewed the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers at Broderick Park. Unfortunately, the computer lab was wiped out and thus erasing my masterpiece.”

About My School:

“I will miss my friend group and a few really supportive teachers.”

Parting words:

“It’s okay to be different and not fit in. It gives you room to see so much of the world.”

You can find more of Parker’s work on the Arts on the Wire “Screen” page.

CHRISTIAN, aka Amaru, who is a calm, independent, and committed musician. He is looking forward to expanding his musical career. Next year he will study the fields of engineering and business at Buffalo State.

About My Major:

"Learning new pieces and collaborating with others inspires me to do better. I was sadly forced into piano but yet enjoy every single bit."

Favorite Production:

"Working with the BPO was probably one of my favorites because I get to work with such a large group of professionals and help deliver music to about 300 people."

About my school:

“I will miss the energy and spirit of the school...I feel as my time has been spent well, but the things I enjoyed most was the cool yet dumb things we always did in music class.”

How people will remember me:

“They will say I'm very supportive, happy, and very into piano. That's how I would like to be remembered.”

You can find more of Amaru's work on the Arts on the Wire “Screen” page.

Jasper, a self-professed feral, weird and goofy artist is most proud of “turning around from failing most classes freshman and sophomore year to making honor roll almost every quarter my junior and senior year.”

About my major:

“Seeing all the different things people create. Drawing was originally a coping skill to help me deal with anxiety and depression, but as time went on I became more and more invested in what I was creating, and collabing with others to get more ideas and expand my horizons.”

Favorite production:

“Helping with the set painting for A Midsummers Night Dream, painting all the trees and logs, and then painting them again with UV paint! It was so much fun!”

About my school:

“The constant Happy Birthday song in the cafeteria, it's annoying now but I feel like people will look back on it as a nice memory.”

What will I miss:

“Being in any of the art studios was the best for me.”

How will people remember me:

“I want to be remembered as that one guy with colorful hair that everyone was cool with, who didn't really have enemies.”

Parting thoughts:

“Nah man.”

KYEARRA, a theater major, who is creative, has a good vibe, and is wise beyond her years. She is happy to get through high school strong, to have had different experiences & just growing as the years go by into a young adult that is learning to make the right decisions on her own. Next year she will head to ECC's Liberal Arts & Sciences program to become a nurse and minor in business.

Favorite Production:

“Go Tell Michelle. I loved that performance, it was a lot to put in. so much rehearsals and practice. the personality you had to put in your character to really understand what was your role. It stands out to me because my character was like an older version of myself when I get older who loved Michelle Obama. When I performed in front of the audience, it was live! I loved how much the audience loved the different pieces we presented.”

About my school:

“I love the teachers and administration that care and love their students. I met some staff members that literally were on my case to graduate and do what I need to do to make every assignment count. and, just made me feel that I mattered and I have so much potential to give. I will miss coming to school everyday seeing my friends and favorite staff.”

“I feel good about my time at the Arts Academy. I started here 5th grade year and went all the way up to senior year. It was a rocky road for me but I made the best of it and met some incredible people that helped me grow and become the person I am today. I do not like specific moments because with my friends there are always happy funny good moments, it's indescribable. I will always love Bavpa, I grew up in this school and I will really miss it here. DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME! I WILL VISIT ONCE I GRADUATE !!

How people will remember me:

“I want to be remembered as the girl who was LIT, no bad vibes, always put a smile on people's faces no matter if I knew them or not. I want nothing but positive things said about me.”

Parting words:

“Next month, I am launching a small business called ‘KT COSMETICS’. It will offer different lip gloss that will pop on the lips ladies. I would love for everyone to go on my Facebook Page @KT COSMETICS & like, follow, support my upcoming business. Thank you so much!”

Ben is a Vocal Music major who is “tall, tan and handsomely simple,” and who will be heading to Niagara University to study theater next year. Ben enjoyed the work that was required to get a great production up.

“Working on The Hunchback in Vocal symphony, the pressure of making sure we had an outstanding performance and then coming through on top was an amazing feeling.”

When thinking about her time at the Arts Academy she said, “I love the way the teachers push the students, I'll miss that. I had a Gr8 time. 10/10. I'll miss bothering the teachers.”

One thing Ben thinks you should all know is…”I used to shave my eyebrows off in the 4th and 5th grade.”

JANIYA, an active, respectful and creative dance major who will be attending HBCU North Carolina A&T in the fall to study multimedia journalism.

Proudest moments:

“Some of my most proud high school experiences are being selected by my peers to be class secretary, being a part of many musicals, being selected to be one of the captains for cheer and playing volleyball throughout my high school years. Another proud experience is being able to go through high school with a good group of fun and supportive friends. Also having my hard work pay off and being a part of the National Honors Society.”

About my major:

“My major inspires me because it can be challenging at times as I rise to the next level and overcoming challenges makes me a better person. Another inspiration that I get from my major is being able to express what I'm feeling without saying it. I have loved dancing since my first dance class when I was three years old and ever since then I fell in love with it. As i got older, watching movies and seeing videos made me want to become a dancer.”

Favorite production:

“My personal favorite productions were Chicago the musical, and the student showcase where I can show my talent and what I have created.”

About my school:

“Something that I love the most about Performing Arts is the fun and artistic environment. I love how everybody shares some type of talent and is very supportive of each other. It doesn't matter if we are all in different majors because we are all there for each other. I will miss being able to perform on stage with my closest friend or even just seeing them in the halls. The moments of happiness that I will miss are all the great laughs that I've shared with my friend and everyone else that I was around.”

How I want to be remembered:

“I want to be remembered as a hard working and determined student who gave off an uplifting, funny, and fun vibe.”

K-lexy, Carlos, was only with us this year, but has made a lasting impact. He is a theater major, a media artist and is producing all the time!

K-lexy arrived in Buffalo after Hurricane Maria displaced he and his family. His plan after graduation: “I will go back to Puerto Rico to start a new life alone.”

"Since second grade I have been getting positive feedback on how well I performed. I know I'm good and have a future in the arts in front of me. It was a complicated ride, but I was able to pull it off.”

CHECK OUT this page to find a VIDEO PROFILE OF CARLOS, produced by Ricarda.

Olivia, an Instrumental Music major, is “most proud of my growth since Freshman year. I've really become a person that I'm proud to be.”

About my major:

“I'll be entirely honest, my major isn't my true passion. I chose violin because it's what my sister had done when she attended BAVPA, but as the years went on I realized I didn't have much passion for orchestra. Despite that, I still have made a good friendship or two and had some amazing highlights along the way.”

Favorite production:

“It's hard to choose, but I'd have to say solo fest. It was when I still did vocal as well as instrumental. I sang "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper and although I was nervous to my core, I put on a great show and felt very proud. It was my first time performing on stage all by myself!”

About my school:

“I love the atmosphere. Just like any school, it has its flaws, but the pros drastically outweigh the cons. I feel comfortable at BAVPA and enjoy the artistic freedom we're allowed. I'm gonna miss the routine. I'm gonna miss walking around the hallways and feeling like I am exactly where I'm meant to be.”

What I will miss:

“I've been at Performing Arts since the fifth grade, so saying this school is important to me is an understatement. I practically grew up at BAVPA and have gone through countless eras/phases of my life there. I have so many memories that will forever remain in the nooks and crannies of the school as well as within my heart.”

How will people remember me:

“I feel that I've stayed relatively neutral when it comes to the majority of my peers which is something I'm alright with. I do hope that maybe one or two pleasant memories stick with some people at least. I care much more about the people in my life right now and who I intend to continue growing alongside with.”

Additional thoughts:

“The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts is like a home to me. I've had a very difficult upbringing and home life, so school was always my sanctuary. I'm so grateful for all this school has given me during the eight years I've attended. The experiences, the people, the life lessons. Everything. I truly am leaving my home. I know I'll come back one day to visit, but not until I've lived some life.”

Brooklyn is an alluring, delicate, and peculiar dance major who will attend college next year. She is most proud “about how high school taught me that there will be lows but behind those low moments are even greater highs.”

Brooklyn never saw herself as a dancer but said of herself - “clearly I had a hidden talent.”

About her school:

I'll miss walking those halls and having a memory in each one. I'll always look back on the moments with my friends and remember those laughs that will forever be funny.”

Nashanti is an intelligent, charismatic, talented vocal major who shared these three words “because these are words my friends see me as so I picked one from each.”

“I am proud of coming so far with my music experience since I’ve been here. I never knew how to read music, have as much of a range as I do now, or as much performance experience.”

About my major:

“I have always loved music since I was a little girl and I've always wanted to be a musician my desires in life have never shifted. I don't know music is just so special to human beings in general and it's so helpful for everyone whether you're the one playing it or listening. It's a phenomenon that really can't even fully be explained.”

Favorite production:

“Last year resonance performed at this super expensive hotel with a whole bunch of wealthy people and it was 70's themed. We got to dress up and sing amazing songs and I don't know why but that was my favorite performance.”

About my school:

“I love the creativity that all of my peers and how accepting they are of certain people/ I will miss all of the performance experiences that we had. I feel like I've improved a lot as an artist and I'll look back on a lot of performances that I have been in and a lot of experiences I have shared with my friends.”

How people will remember me:

“I want them to say I was a genuine person and that I was talented and dedicated in my craft.”

Parting thoughts:

“I can't wait to prove whoever doubted me wrong after high school.”

Natalie, a Visual Art Major, who sees herself as "bougie, stylish, and baddest." She is currently modeling and sees herself “becoming an influencer/ entrepreneur traveling the world living luxuriously.”

She is most proud of “transitioning and not letting transphobia get to me.”

About my major:

“It inspires me to develop my artistic skills and use it to pour out my creativity onto a canvas. My major also helped with other artistic aspects such as makeup.”

Favorite Work:

“My paintings with hair coming out of it. I took my love for hair and cosmetics and brought them to life within my painting.”

About my school:

“I love that it allows me to walk down the halls as myself rather than hiding who I am. I will miss doing my makeup in detention. It's like a sibling, I may hate them at times but I'll always have love for them. I look back to the times where me and my friends were fooling around in the locker room and accidentally getting stuck in a locker.”

How people will remember me:

“The first openly trans girl to bless the halls of performing arts.”

NADIANA, is honored to be named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020.

Nadiana is a dance major who is determined, hardworking, and smiley - “I have stayed top of my class all through high school and I'm always smiling.” In the fall, she will be going to college to study to become a neurosurgeon.

About my major:

“I have been dancing since I was 3 and it has helped me with my mental help. It keeps me active and gives me a way to express myself.”

About my school:

“I will miss the environment. My school is very open-minded and it’s rare to find people who will accept you for you. I enjoyed my time at Arts. The moments I will look back on the most will be the laughs in the locker room with all my dance girls. We have such a special bond that is so unique and will never be forgotten.”

How I want to be remembered:

“I want to be remembered as someone who was always happy, goofy, and intelligent.”

NADIANA, is honored to be named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020.

Nadiana is a dance major who is determined, hardworking, and smiley - “I have stayed top of my class all through high school and I'm always smiling.” In the fall, she will be going to college to study to become a neurosurgeon.

About my major:

“I have been dancing since I was 3 and it has helped me with my mental help. It keeps me active and gives me a way to express myself.”

About my school:

“I will miss the environment. My school is very open-minded and it’s rare to find people who will accept you for you. I enjoyed my time at Arts. The moments I will look back on the most will be the laughs in the locker room with all my dance girls. We have such a special bond that is so unique and will never be forgotten.”

How I want to be remembered:

“I want to be remembered as someone who was always happy, goofy, and intelligent.”