AUBURN GRESHAM — The third annual A Disciplined Life Expo by Perspectives Charter Schools is an opportunity for the charter operator to recruit new students, raise money and show off students' talents to the community.
The Thursday expo begins with a reception from 5-6 p.m. and student presentations from 6-8 p.m. at the South Loop campus, 1930 S. Archer Ave. Raffle tickets for $20 will be sold for a chance to win an iPad Mini.
While donations will be accepted, Shayla Butler, a spokeswoman for Perspectives, said donations were not required.
"The expo is open to the public and we want people to attend and meet our students," Butler said. "Some people may not know about us, so this is a good way for us to introduce ourselves to them and a good way for parents to learn more about our schools."
Besides the South Loop campus, Perspectives has two high schools and one middle school campus at 8131 S. May St. in Auburn Gresham and another high school campus at 3663 S. Wabash Ave. in Bronzeville. About 100 students participating in the expo, including 30 from the Auburn Gresham campuses, will answer questions and do presentations.
"Student demonstrations consist of a lot of things. For instance, a student might sing, dance or display a painting," Butler said.
One Perspectives student said he was eager to attend the expo for the first time.
Tramell Albritt is a 17-year-old senior who plays middle linebacker for the school's football team. His role at the expo will be a student ambassador charged with providing information about Perspectives.
"If asked, I plan to tell people that Perspectives is a good school that prepares you for college and for life," Albritt said. "Next year, after I graduate, I plan to attend the University of Michigan and major in business and prelaw. I want to be a sports agent."
Aleah Moore, a 16-year-old junior, participated in last year's expo.
"I was asked a lot of questions by donors who wanted to know what were my plans after high school," Moore said. "I really was not expecting them to ask me about my future but I enjoyed the experience."
Tytianna Bell, 16, said until she participated in the expo last year she never really had to explain herself to so many adults.
"I was used to talking to my peers but not a lot of adults with a lot of education," Bell said. "Since attending Perspectives my way of thinking has changed, especially when it comes to education. I now know without a good education it's hard to get far in life."
Next year Deja Washington, 16, said she planned to apply for admission to Howard University in Washington, D.C.
"I'll be a senior next year and I have researched Howard and I feel I would fit in there. It is a well rounded school," Washington said.
