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Photo Credit: Jamey Firnberg
State's new top teacher, Annelise Cassar Tedesco of Chalmette High, says arts help build overall success
"I am convinced that part of my success as an adult is a result of the opportunities I had as a child,” she said.
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“I strive to empower them to know that where they live now is a stepping stone to get them where they want to be tomorrow.”
Photo Credit: Chris Granger
Chalmette High Cultural Arts Center rose after Katrina to teach music, dance, drama
With the CCAC thriving for 12 years now with nine staff members certified in their specific disciplines, as well as being performers in their own right, it’s become a bit of a family affair. Not only did Cassar's daughter, Annelise Cassar Tedesco, the music director, just become Louisiana’s Teacher of the Year, but another daughter, Arianna Cassar Cruice, is the center’s artistic director, responsible for every production’s overall look, whether it’s "Anything Goes" with its 53-foot boat on the stage, or the costuming behind "Guys and Dolls."
Composite Credit: Spencer Kiper
Annelise's inspiring message featured among Semi-Finalists on the First Lady of Louisiana's blog
“The pandemic has reminded us that each of us has so much material in our own lives from which to create art. I look forward to cultivating a culture of artistic expression and creation from within each student’s own journey. This encouragement combined with a continued study of rigorous academic, artistic material will foster the growth of students and the empowerment of their voices.”