Community in Schools is a program focused on surrounding students with a community of support to empower them to find their passions and achieve in life. Through the program, community members partner with students to provide mentorship and opportunities for various activities through clubs.

Mercedez Ybarra and Layla Barragan, 3rd Graders at Westwind Elementary, chose to take advantage of the ballet club that meets during their Specials time on Fridays led by Ballet Lubbock instructor Briana Brown.

Each day, the girls practiced their ballet skills during school and began to show potential. In January, Mercedez and Layla received a special invitation in the mail from Laura Davis, Director of Community Outreach for Ballet Lubbock, inviting them to audition for Ballet Lubbock after school programs.   

Thrilled about the opportunity, Mercedez and Layla auditioned for the program but were unsure if they would make it. Not only did the two students shine in the audition, but both were accepted into the Ballet Lubbock program and received a scholarship to attend a full year for free.

Layla says she was “super excited” to learn the news, and Mercedes says she screamed and jumped up and down for a while. Their parents are equally excited about the opportunity offered to their children.

Mercedes and Layla will get to participate in the Ballet Lubbock performance on May 2nd and are thrilled to perform for others. 

By simply signing up for an opportunity provided by Community in Schools, both girls have found a love for dancing and say they plan to continue taking ballet “at least until after college” and they might even dance in the school talent show.