JENSEN BEACH ― Students began their day at the Cultural Arts Center to view the recent juried art exhibit and learn about the economic impact of arts and culture-related jobs in Martin County.
They had a hands-on opportunity to work on fictional proposal grants to present to each other.
Class members were encouraged to bring out their “inner child” during a stop of the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. After a brief introduction, students were able to freely roam the interactive museum and reminisce about their past visits while appreciating this gem here on the Treasure Coast.
They traveled to the Elliott Museum, where they were greeted by President and CEO Rob Steele. At the Elliott, students toured the UFO exhibit and the car gallery. As they regrouped for lunch, Grace Phillips, from Carr, Riggs & Ingram, discussed her personal arts journey and how it allowed her to work for a company interested in community involvement.
The final stop was at the Barn Theatre, where Board Officer Francine Beckstead and Technical Director Bryan Childe greeted them. Students got on stage to act out scenarios, sing impromptu songs and participate in actors’ training techniques.
Childe gave a presentation on volunteer opportunities at the Barn, career paths for theatre students and his work as a set designer, sound engineer and technical director. Finally, students toured backstage to view the costumes, props and machinery used for staging as well as in the theatre to view the state-of-the-art sound board, formally used on Broadway.
The Martin Youth LEADERship Program is designed for high school students in Martin County. Founded and underwritten by LEADERship Martin County Alumni, it is an opportunity for high school students to develop and enhance their leadership skills.
Students must apply online or through their guidance offices, and a limited number are selected to participate in this comprehensive eight-month program that is modeled after LEADERship Martin County. Upon completion, these young leaders have learned about their community including history, government, business, arts and culture, criminal justice and more.
For more information about Martin Youth LEADERship Program, including applications for 2025-26, visit www.leadershipmcalumni.com/youth-leadership or contact Jeanne Dunn, program coordinator, at 772-486-4695 or [email protected]. Applications are open until May 23.