United Charter High Schools recently brought something brand new to life: The Inaugural Arts Showcase that gathered student artists, performers, and storytellers from all seven UCHS campuses for an evening of creativity, celebration, and community at the Interchurch Center.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was immediate. Students, friends, families and community members moved through the gallery at their own pace — pausing in front of paintings, leaning in to examine sculptures, pointing out details to friends. For many, it was also the first time they’d met peers from other schools face-to-face, and the room buzzed with the kind of energy that only happens when a community truly comes together.
The impressive gallery spanned a variety of mediums including paintings, drawings, sculptures, yarn art, digital installations, and interactive pieces that invited you to engage, not just observe. Our scholars expressed their identities, their talents, and their vision for the world through their own eyes. For a peek at some of the incredible and moving student artwork, check out this video produced by our AMS IV TV crew.
The performances were just as extraordinary. Three musical acts from our own students opened the program, showcasing the remarkable range of talent across our schools. AMS IV’s Nathaniel Pass delivered a standout solo performance of Isn’t She Lovely and Lift Every Voice and Sing that stopped the entire room. The JFK Lightning Dance Team brought the energy, and the United Charter Steppers, which included scholars from AMS III and HUM IV, brought the house down with a joint performance that had everyone on their feet. HUM II’s Theatre Class performed monologues spanning Peter Pan to Langston Hughes, each one carrying real weight and intention. The evening closed beautifully with the Faculty Jazz Trio performing a smooth and soulful set.
Dr. Palmore opened the evening by celebrating every single person in the room — the artists, the educators, and the families — and speaking personally about what art has meant in his own life. It set exactly the right tone for everything that followed.
A huge shoutout to the entire AMS IV student media team, who worked the room all night to make sure every moment was documented. Photographers, a videographer, a live reporter, and a student director and writer worked together to capture every performance, every piece of art, and every in-between moment that made the evening what it was.
Our students gave everything on that stage — and we are so proud of every single one of them. We’ll see you at the next one!
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
