Across the city, After School Matters teens closed out their Spring session with inspirational final showcases—dynamic celebrations of learning and creativity. These events shined a light on the hard work teens put into their programs and gave family, friends, and community members a front-row seat to the skills they’ve developed and the confidence they’ve gained.
“My favorite part about participating in ASM is that I met cool people and a cool instructor.”
Jazzlene P, ASM teen
From hands-on demonstrations to live performances and gallery walks, final showcases reflect the diverse passions of ASM teens, and this session’s programs delivered unforgettable moments.
At the After School Matters Michael and Karyn Lutz Center, teens across multiple content areas impressed and inspired:
- The Latin Dance dancers shared five performances across various Latin genres, lighting up the room with movement and music.
- In the Crash Course Crochet program, most teens came in with no experience yet walked away with intricate pieces that took weeks to craft by hand.
- STEM in Healthcare Sciences teens offered a look into the future of medicine, showcasing research projects on blood cells and calcium while also performing live blood sugar checks for guests.
- Cooking & Baking teens transformed their showcase into an interactive culinary experience, offering guests sweet treats and insight into what they’ve learned in the kitchen.
- Teens in the American Sign Language program shared the power of communication, offering mini-ASL lessons and reflections on how learning sign language has opened new pathways for connection.
- In the Mosaic Arts program, teens created intricate Chinese New Year–themed mosaics and collaborated on a large group piece honoring the Lutz Center and its variety of teen opportunities.
- Cultivating Plants, Profits & Gardening teens invited their families and guests to shop a vibrant selection of vegetables and flowers—each one grown and prepared by our talented teens. Participants even created custom care instructions for each plant, combining horticulture skills with entrepreneurship.
At Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, creativity and energy filled every corner of the space:
- Mixed Martial Arts teens demonstrated self-defense techniques and warm-ups, showing off their focus and discipline.
- DJ Fundamentals participants kept the energy high all evening, entertaining guests across both floors with live sets as they explored the different programs throughout the building.
- The Studio Screen Printing program brought their process to life, creating poster art in real time and walking guests through each step.
- Teens in Hip-Hop & Harmony delivered powerful a cappella vocals alongside choreographed step routines.
- A collective Theater Art Wall brought all visual art programs together in a vibrant, gallery-style collage showcasing teen expression and imagination.
At After School Matters at Gately Park, guests were welcomed by spring floral decorations and a teen emcee from the DJ program who kept the fun going throughout the showcase.
- Les Enfants teens danced to a medley of songs that wowed guests.
- Design.Build.Grow.Eat teens showcased the vegetation they planted, nurtured, and helped grow over the past several weeks. Guests enjoyed touring their beautiful blooms and gathering tips from our gardeners on how to care for their own plants.
- Culinary programs came together to make delicious dishes for guests to sample throughout the night, including homemade ice cream.
- Advanced Drawing & Painting artists shared beautiful works of art that ranged from a portrait of Rihanna to anime to colorful abstract pieces.
- Fashion Meets Arts teens put on a fashion show, featuring pieces they created by recycling items found at local thrift stores.
These showcases are more than just end-of-program events—they’re moments of pride, empowerment, and celebration. They show what’s possible when young people are given the space, support, and encouragement to pursue their passions.
Congratulations to all of our incredible teens, instructors, and program partners for an inspiring Spring session!