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New York Junior Tennis & Learning highlights student art and skills at ACES celebration
Summary
New York Junior Tennis & Learning staged an ACES celebration at Lehman College showcasing student performances, curated art and after-school programming that supports academic, career and independent-living skills, including services for students with special needs.
New York Junior Tennis & Learning hosted its annual ACES (Academics, Career and Essential Skills) celebration of the arts at Lehman College, bringing student performances and curated exhibits to the campus.
The event, described by organizers as a day for elementary and middle school students to show artistic work and receive awards, was framed as an extension of the nonprofits broader after-school offerings. "It's just, bringing tennis to kids, but then also a bunch of extracurricular activities like what you're seeing right now," a presenter said, describing the combination of sports and arts programming.
Organizers presented ACES as a program that pairs academic support with social and life-skill development. "We're so comprehensive, especially for middle school programs. We really allow students to explore their interests, to learn about who they are as people, and to have leadership opportunities," a staff member said. The same speaker said projects were sponsored based on the students' interests and priorities: "Both these projects were entirely sponsored by what they wanted to do and what they thought was important."
Reporters on the scene noted the program includes services for students with special needs, offering pathways toward academic, professional and independent-living skills while incorporating individualized attention within public school frameworks. "They want somebody that's gonna, like, show them that they matter, that they are appreciated," the staff member said, speaking to the programs emotional and supportive aims.
Event coverage also highlighted artwork addressing personal and community topics. "Some of the artwork is, you know, kids discussing immigration, kids sharing their emotions," the presenter said, adding that art gives students ways to express themselves when they might not have the words.
As one of the citys largest providers of school-based after-school programming, NYJTL organizers said ACES is intended to deepen students' communication and cooperation skills while helping them find creative voices. On Bedford Park Boulevard, Chris Cumella, reporter for BronxNet, filed the report.
