Meet Fairfield Preparatory High School Junior Brennan Cole. Brennan participates in Better Basics’ afterschool program, HOPE 21st Century Community Learning Centers. He began the program in his first year of high school and has expanded his involvement, attributing his passion for musical theater to an introduction to Red Mountain Theatre by Better Basics.
Brennan initially joined Better Basics’ afterschool program for tutoring help. He soon found that the afterschool enrichment program offers much more. Through networking opportunities, he explored a new-found interest in musical theater with Red Mountain Theatre. He has performed in Mean Girls and Into the Woods and twice participated in Broadway Bootcamp. Brennan confidently shares what he loves about theater, “It’s an outlet for me. It’s very expressive and helps me dare to be different…as in, be myself.”
HOPE 21st CCLC Coordinator Dee Shorter has built strong relationships with many of the children and families in the program. Brennan is one of the kids Mrs. Shorter encourages and supports by looking for ways to introduce new experiences to the students. A few years back, while Brennan volunteered with a Better Basics Reads event, where older students read a book to elementary students, Mrs. Shorter recorded Brennen’s theatrical reading and determined, “We need to get Red Mountain Theatre out here.”
Gina Waldrop, Director of 21st Century Learning Centers, and leaders from Red Mountain Theatre collaborated to offer sessions in the Fairfield afterschool programs. Mrs. Waldrop has built an impressive and sought-after lineup of creative, cutting-edge educational activities for the afterschool program. Some activities include cultural enrichment, ACT prep, physical fitness, homework assistance, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
In addition to theater, Brennan serves as a Student Aide to the school’s athletic teams through a program supported by Better Basics. He says,” As a Student Aide, our job is to care for players on our sports teams. We learn about injury prevention and are trained in CPR and as first aid responders.”
Brennan adds, “Anything I need…Better Basics provides as much help as they can. Whether it’s tutoring help or if there is something you want to start up.” With that comment, Brennan and Mrs. Shorter enjoy a side conversation about possibly starting a Drama Club at the school.
Brennan has been a standout kid all his life. When asked what accomplishment he was most proud of, he quickly referenced an incredible fourth-grade experience. In 2016, he was elected to the National Junior Beta Club while attending Martha Gaskins Elementary. As part of the honor, he took his first trip out of state to visit Washington, DC, for a week and met First Lady Michelle Obama.
Brennan’s strong work ethic and outgoing personality will help him achieve his dreams. Mrs. Shorter says of Brennan, “He’s a smart kid and very well-spoken. I’m waiting to see your name in lights. It’s going to happen, and I can’t wait!”
Better Basics’ 21st Century Community Learning Centers operate in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education and are free of charge to schools and students. The program aims to advance learning and curiosity in a safe and nurturing environment during out-of-school hours. In addition to the Fairfield School system, Better Basics recently expanded 21st Century Community Learning Centers to Tarrant City Schools and Brantley Elementary in Dallas County.