NYEA stages event at Clyde C. Miller Academy
By Tyrone Farley
For the St. Louis American
“Life is about doing something that you love,” said Tony Scott, radio personality for Majic 104.9 and the “New Breakfast Crew” as he gave his presentation on “Having Goals” to the youth at NYEA’s second annual youth conference held Saturday at the Clyde C. Miller Career Academy High School.
“We offer classes, like Music Industry, which is 1st-step classes for music,” said Marcie Brooks, president and founder of NYEA.
“We are looking for young people looking to be leaders. You don’t need to know music, but rather be looking to do something positive.”
NYEA, which stands for National Youth Entertainment and Arts, held its conference at the career academy with special guests Marc Clarke from 92Q Jams’ “Big Phat Morning Show” and Scott.
“We were trying to teach some of the students that saving money is very important,” said Clarke.
Guests were invited from area schools and from the Cape Giradeau area, including students from Southeast Missouri State University.
The first event was a step show performed by the NYEA dancers. Joshua White performed in the middle of his dancers as they danced around him. The crowd loved the skilled moves and the fast beat, applauding throughout the performance.
Then DJ Shock Da Hitmaker opened the floor for others to get up and show their stuff. They danced to the song “One, Two, Step” by Ciara. The deejay pulled a dancer from the St. Louis side and another from the Cape Giradeau side to spark a competition that the students called a “dance off.”
The students also had the chance to win items by bidding on them. One of the items up for auction was a football signed by the entire Rams football team, which went for $80.
The event brought recording artists out to expose the youth to some known local talent. Aloha, the American Idol contestant, and Clyph, guest dancer in the movie You Got Served, came to show support for the youth looking to find a career in the entertainment business.
“I love to check on new talent, because my manager thinks that that is always a good idea,” said Clyph.
For future events or to sign your kids up for NYEA, email Marcie Brooks, founder and President NYEA at nationalyouthent@hotmail.com, visit the website at www.nyea.5u.com or call (314) 261-3300.
