Scholars Bring the BET Awards to Scholarship Prep South Bay for Black History Month

This February, Scholarship Prep South Bay Scholars didn't just perform. They shut it down.

For our Los Angeles County TK-8th grade’s Black History Month celebration, the campus dance elective instructor and coaches knew they wanted to go big with a musical theatre style performance that honored Black culture, music, and artistic expression the way it deserves. The answer was clear: a full BET Awards-style production, choreographed and directed by Ms Mo and Dr. Christin Rickman and built from the ground up by a team of staff, families, and Scholars who gave everything to make it happen.

Before the show even began, families walking into the gym passed through an art walk showcasing scholar projects completed throughout the Black History Month unit in the Art elective taught by Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Rojas. By the time they found their seats, the anticipation was great.

Technology Instructor Jordan Wright held it down as MC all night. The dance teams and ensembles, including Dolphin Dancer alumni, brought the house down. Scholars across grade levels took the stage and delivered performances that reminded everyone in the room why The Arts and representation matter

Then Jon B walked in.

The R&B legend joined Scholarship Prep South Bay as a special guest performer. Later in the evening, recording artist Kerry Mondy took the stage for his own set. Their next-level talent inspired our students to see what’s possible when musical mastery meets ambition.

The evening closed with a moving tribute. Sylvia Parks, a beloved member of the Scholarship Prep community who passed away last year, was honored posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her daughter, Principal Vann, was named Woman and Principal of the Year. Two generations of leadership with a far-reaching legacy.

We’re also thankful our friends from the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks were in the audience to see our students shine. Chris Rogers, Manager, Community Relations and Youth Basketball, acknowledged Scholarship Prep’s Principal Vann and Kristen Crowe, Chief Community Officer, with custom jerseys honoring our new community partnership.

This is what Scholarship Prep South Bay is about. Scholars who show up and deliver. A community that celebrates culture and The Arts for real. And a school that knows the difference between an event and an experience.

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This night was truly a team effort. We are grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make it possible: Choreography/Direction: Ms Mo and Dr. Rickman; Set-Up: Arlene Contreras, Allison Vann, Christian Nunez, Daniel Molina, Jordan Wright, Rocio Palacio, Vanitty Contreras; Sound & Music: Efren Castillo; Costume & Decoration: Ashley Dias, Azucena Bernal, Gisselle Arivizu, Jacqueline Salazar, Kimberly Lazo, Maribel Rodriguez; Clean-Up: Christina Rojas, Gloria Rojas, Stephen Rios; MC: Jordan Wright; Art Walk: Jocelyn Ruiz and Gloria Rojas