The following are some reactions from individuals who attended the 2013 Michigan Creative Educators Summit at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on April 24, 2013:
Brad Parsons (DeWitt High School student and filmmaker):
Dear Mr. Croley and Mr. Lafay,
The 2013 Michigan Creative Educators Summit was motivating, educational, intriguing, inspiring, and most of all…Creative! Having the opportunity to attend this event has confirmed my thoughts about my filmmaking career, etc. Listening to the inspirational speakers allowed me, as a senior, to understand further knowledge about future jobs and experiences in life. My favorite speaker was from TechSmith; he gave the example of the NBA and the female employee who loves baking. TechSmith motivated me to continue my passion and love what I am doing. All of your efforts to plan, organize, direct, promote, and pursue creative education and its success; is tremendously appreciated. Many people should be thankful for teachers like you two; who care for us and our potential. Having opportunities involving the “real world” allows us to gain experience for our future endeavors. Personally, my first two years of high school were quite boring and continuing the same motion everyday became frustrating. The past two years have obviously been completely different. I enjoyed coming to school for one class in particular, Video Production. After attending my first DCG meeting junior year, the idea seemed compelling and DCG changed me for the better. The past year has been unbelievable and (Brad Parsons) is proud to be a student of yours. Sometimes teenagers and even “I” forget about those who have inspired us or unbolted our lives inside the high school. Through it all, I have become stronger and more confident in myself. Thank you both for everything you have done to help me over the past few years. This letter comes from my heart; I will always remember how much you guys care for me as a student, and passionate filmmaker. Thank you.
Rachael Parker (TechSmith Education Marketing Manager):
Hi both,
Just wanted to congratulate you on a fantastic event last week. I loved it. You are doing amazing things!
David Smith (Chief App Maker):
Jason, this was an awesome uplifting event!
I was amazed at the cool projects students are doing - fusion, hovercrafts, submarines, solar, etc. etc. I was also impressed by their presentation and leadership skills. A lot better than many adults I see. For example being able to adjust to schedule changes on the fly.
I hope to be invited back next year!
Leyna Lightman (Manager of Education at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum):
Dear Jeff and Jason,
What a pleasure to have you, your students and so many community members in the building today. I adored hearing from the various students, teachers and organizations and loved seeing all the performers! What a testament to what students can be if great teachers give them some trust, license, and confidence. I was completely impressed by the amount of independence and leadership everyone demonstrated. And what flat out good behavior and manners!
The Broad staff was thrilled to have the space activated with so many young people having a good time and sharing their talents. Please extend our excitement and thanks to those I'm not in touch with. I would be happy to personally thank folks like Tim Horton's if you think it's prudent.
Also, what a blast to work with you both! I am really excited by your creativity and radical thinking and impressed by your ability to get administrators and "suits" on board. I also truly appreciated your respect of The Broad's space and sometimes challenging systems. As I mentioned to Jason, I noticed that you both took extra care to ask permission for everything and to not step on toes. I wish I could say the same for some of our other collaborators and your approach certainly makes you welcome team members in the future. Let's do more together.
Chad Badgero (Arts Education Programming Manager of the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs):
Hi Jeff and Jason,
Congratulations on a fantastic Summit yesterday! I was so happy to be there to hear about all of the amazing things that schools and artists and thinkers are doing in Michigan, and across the globe. Thank you for organizing such a tremendous meeting of the minds and showcase for schools and students!