Thanks to the generosity and shared vision of stalwart Catholic Academy of Bridgeport supporter Jim Colica, the “Alegre” Program for the Performing Arts kicked off as an after-school offering in October. “Alegre” is Spanish for “joy,” and according to Colica, “This program is in memory of my wife, Kathy; her joy for all in the Arts is my inspiration for it. That these children will have the opportunity to explore their hidden talents and express their feelings through the Arts [reminds me of] the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The idea of joy was also the catalyst for the program’s vision statement: “To inspire our young people to rejoice in themselves and their community through developing and sharing their God-given talents in the Performing Arts. Through exploration and instruction in choral singing, dance, and drama, we hope to build an environment of self-confidence, inclusivity, and positive artistic expression.” Tracy Ferguson is directing the program. A recent summa cum laude graduate of Fairfield University with a B.A. in Theatre and minors in Educational Studies and Religious Studies, Ferguson has almost a decade of experience in Performing Arts. She is excited to bring her love of Arts education to CAB. According to Angela Pohlen, CAB Executive Director, “We have been working on bringing this offering to our middle school students for the last three years, and by the grace of God, everything has aligned to make it a reality. I believe passionately about the importance of Arts education, and Performance Arts in particular. St. Irenaeus said, ‘The glory of God is the human being fully alive,’ and little expresses the fullness of humanity as well as the Arts. I am grateful to Mr. Colica and his late wife Kathy for their belief in enriching the lives of our students through Art, and I am excited to see what unexpected blessings come of the program under Ms. Ferguson’s direction.”
