Glades students experience the arts

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - Students at Glades Central Community High School received special treat this week. They attended a play called 'Cane' at the Kravis Center.

The play tells the story of Belle Glade's struggles and triumphs.

The trip was meaningful because drama classes were dropped at the school due to budget cuts.

"Knowing that we are in the western community sometimes the students don't have an opportunity to commute to the other side," principal Anthony Anderson said.

The high school lost its drama curriculum and funding such trips to the Kravis Center became another challenge. That challenge was met by attorney Salesia Smith-Gordon and her husband Lawrence. "I hope it opens their eyes to want more," she said.

Smith-Gordon and her husband decided it was a chance to give back and educate the students. "If art can become definitely a part of educational process I think that enhances them and makes them more well rounded."

That's why the demise of the drama class is disheartening to those who value of the arts.

"It's important to keep them so that everybody has the opportunity to see what career, what path they want to take," said valedictorian Jessica Bennett.

The school's drama department has produced notable actors like Earl Poitier who played two major roles in 'Remember the Titans' and 'Drumline.'

Despite the budget woes the school has been able to keep its after school drama club.

"It's all about them being able to have more exposure. And anytime you can have them exposed to anything dealing with the arts and culture it is beneficial to our students," said Anderson

Cane runs through the end of the week at the Kravis Center.

It's the first play this year to be part of a series of Florida plays.