Last week was a remarkable one for SCORE, as we celebrated the power of education, mentorship, and community. From supporting young musicians to mentoring student filmmakers, and building lasting partnerships, SCORE was fully engaged in living out our mission to uplift, empower, and inspire. Here's a look back at some of the impactful events we participated in:
Sunday: Music, Legacy, and Community at The Parade of Pianos
The week began with a beautiful blend of music and community at the Parade of Pianos Annual Spring Concert in Apple Valley, CA. As proud sponsors of this event, SCORE joined forces with the nonprofit to capture the magic of this celebration of young talent. The Parade of Pianos provides instruments, scholarships, and mentorship to aspiring musicians, giving them the support they need to develop their skills.
The concert featured performances by both seasoned musicians and young talents, with standout performances that touched the hearts of all who attended. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the performance by Tayari Kuanda III, a former student of the Parade of Pianos program. His moving rendition of Richard Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto, followed by an original composition, brought the audience to their feet in a well-deserved ovation.
In addition, the Celebration Handbell Ringers from Church of The Valley created a serene atmosphere, while Kat Miner, a student from Victor Valley College, wowed the crowd with her powerful vocal performance. Events like these are a testament to the importance of arts education and community support in fostering the next generation of talented individuals.
Monday: Building Partnerships at a Local Networking Event
On Monday, SCORE continued its efforts to build strong partnerships in the community by attending a monthly networking event. The event was attended by local business leaders, educators, nonprofit representatives, and public officials—all with a shared commitment to supporting the growth and success of local students and businesses.
Dr. Tayari Kuanda, CEO of SCORE, shared the organization’s mission and our upcoming initiatives, including the June 7th Domino Tournament, which will raise funds for the SCORE scholarship fund. The event also served as a platform to connect with potential sponsors and partners, opening the door for future professional development opportunities for both local school districts and private companies.
By fostering these connections, we continue to strengthen the support system for our students and build a stronger foundation for their educational journeys.
Thursday: Student Interns Shine at the AHS Heritage Senior Awards
The week culminated with a capstone event that showcased the talent and dedication of SCORE’s student interns. On Thursday, we had the privilege of guiding our interns through the filming of the AHS Heritage Senior Awards Celebration, a powerful event that honors African American students as they complete high school and prepare for their next steps in education and careers.
Our interns arrived hours before the ceremony to set up lighting, cameras, and audio gear, ensuring that every special moment was captured. This event was a key part of SCORE’s Rise of the Page program, which was launched in 2022 to provide high school and college students with hands-on experience in film and media production.
Over the years, Rise of the Page has trained dozens of students in areas such as cinematography, lighting, audio engineering, and editing. It also offers students the chance to shadow industry professionals on real sets, giving them valuable exposure to the inner workings of the media world.
Through programs like Rise of the Page, SCORE provides students with pathways to success, including the opportunity to apply for scholarships to enroll in Yellowbrick’s Film & TV Industry Essentials Certificate Program, offered in partnership with NYU and IndieWire. This program gives students access to top-tier faculty and a chance to build a career in the film and TV industry.
A Night to Reflect and Celebrate
The evening concluded with a gala-style dinner, where students, families, and mentors shared in laughter, reflection, and pride. After the hard work was done, Dr. Kuanda made sure that the interns enjoyed a well-deserved meal—a small but meaningful gesture to recognize their dedication and growth throughout the year.
SCORE's Commitment to Education and Empowerment
At SCORE, we don’t just show up—we show out for our students, our communities, and our collective future. Whether filming live concerts, mentoring the next generation of creators, or building community partnerships, we remain committed to using education and media as tools for positive change.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made, and we’re excited to continue supporting them as they take the next steps in their journeys. We believe in their potential, and we will keep working hard to create opportunities that help them thrive.
How You Can Get Involved
We encourage you to be part of the movement to support and empower students in our community:
- Donate or sponsor a scholarship to help struggling students access higher education.
- Get involved with our upcoming events, such as the Domino Tournament, to directly support our students.
- Submit content to be featured on our platform, helping to amplify diverse voices and community stories.
Together, we can continue to make a difference, creating opportunities, building connections, and fostering a future where every student has the chance to succeed.
Let’s keep building, creating, and celebrating—together.
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