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Pro Merita . Innovative Education for Young Artists and Athletes Young people with a passion tor the performing arts or a sports discipline often find that their academic work suffers because of the rigorous demands of lessons, rehearsals, practices, festivals and competitions. They may feel pressured to give up their passion for dance, gymnastics, swimming or theatre for the sake of a graduation certificate and qualifications to enter post secondary institutions. They can't have both, or can they? Starting this fall, a new educational facility will be opening up in North Vancouver, one that will support young people in their creative endeavours while giving them the academic instruction they require for full high school accreditation through the Ministry of Education. The Pro Merita Academy is piloting this innovative venture in cooperation with North Vancouver School District's Programs of Choice. It is designed for children from grade five through graduation who want to participate fully in the arts or sports without sacrificing their grades. Through projectdriven curricula designed to accommodate their rigorous schedules, the students will be able to adapt their timetables for assignment deadlines, examinations, competitions and classes in ways that will provide an optimal learning experience in all areas. The academic studies at Pro Merita will take place in the morning, leaving the afternoons free for lessons and practices, whether on the dance floor, the ice rink, in the gym or the pool. With flexibility not possible in the regular school system, students who must be out of town for music festivals or hockey tournaments will be able to schedule their academic assignments and tests accordingly. Astrid Sherman, co-founder of the Pro Arte Centre, is one of the program leads in the development of Pro Merita. "We are passionate and excited about how we can nurture these creative students," she says. "There is a gap between training a student and actually seeing them get to where they want to go. We want them to have it all." Sarah Ahmadi, the project's other lead, has observed how Pro Arte successfully integrates itself Into the North Vancouver community, participating in public events and offering a broad spectrum of classes for children as young as 2 years up to adults. She sees Pro Merita continuing this tradition. "The arts are an Integral part of our community. They need to permeate everything. The child who has exposure and experience in all facets of life and can fit them together In creative ways, can really give back to the community." Pro Merita has the full support of North Vancouver School District superintendent John Lewis and of assistant superintendent Dave Pearce. They see the potential for this innovative model and are doing all they can to make it work. There is also a lot of interest from parents of young athletes and artists as well as from the people of the Queensbury neighbourhood who have enjoyed having Pro Arte Centre in the old Cloverley school site. To learn more about Pro Merita, please contact sarah-ahmadi@shaw.ca or asherman@telus. net or telephone 604.984.2783. " 1 s/ Lindsey Wall and Johanna Schleycher NORTH VANCOUVER COMMUNITY A R T S · · M C O U N C I L · · BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES T HROUGH THE ARTS MAY | J U N E 2007 EVENTS | Textile Arts Grad Show 2007 CityScape Community Art Space May 3 - 1 9 Featuring works by the graduating class of the Capilano College Textile Arts Program Spirit of the City of North Vancouver CityScape Community Art Space May 25 - June 9 Opening Reception: Thursday May 24, 7-9pm Celebrating the City of North Vancouver's 100th adversary, Capilano College IDEA students depict scenes that embrace the vitality and community spirit of the city From the Edge of the Forest CityScape Community Art Space June 15 - July 14 Opening Reception: Thursday June 14, 7-9pm Featuring art objects made of indigenous British Columbia wood | Art in Public Places District Hall of North Vancouver, 355 West Queens Road May 10 - June 7 Selected works from the NVCAC Art Rental Programme & works from the Christie House Saturday Art Studio for Young Artists Opening Reception: Thursday May 10, 6:30-8:30pm June 7 - July 5 Nicole Anthony & Matthew Freed Opening Reception: Thursday June 7, 6:30-8:30pm Art In the Garden Tour 2007 Saturday May 26 & Sunday May 27,12-5pm, Rain or shine! A self-guided garden tour across the North Shore, featuring amazing gardens, talented visual artists & musicians. Free maps available at CityScape Community Art Space. North Vancouver Community Arts Council CityScape Community Art Space 335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2G3 Tel: 604-988-6844 Email: nvartscouncilrgtelus net Website: www.nvartscouncil.ca 20 M a y | J u n e