Ava Garland, a member of the class of 2023 at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland is a student on the move. Literally. She ends her high school years with an extensive background in all forms of dance.
“Dancing has made me a better person in general because it exposed me to so many different types of people,” Garland said.
“In dance, you have to work with and understand people who come from different backgrounds than you.”
At her coeducational high school that is sponsored by the Brothers of the Holy Cross, Garland participated in the classical dance program and the traditional African dance program. She has also trained outside of school in contemporary dance. She said that while she enjoys all forms of dance, participating in the traditional African dance program was her favorite.
“As an African American, I feel like we are often very distanced from our original roots and where we…