Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley

In this heartwarming episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Kenton Hundley to discuss his impactful role in community building and education through the Dream School of the Arts. The episode begins with a friendly reminiscing of how Phil and Kenton first met at the First United Methodist Church in San Diego, highlighting their deep-rooted connection and shared love for meaningful community engagement.Kenton recounts his journey before starting the Dream School of the Arts, sharing how his background as an educator and spoken word artist melded with his vision for creating a nurturing space for children. The Dream School of the Arts, Kenton explains, is not just a place for academic support, but a holistic after-school program centered around the arts, healthy living, and fostering a creative environment for fourth and fifth graders in the Normal Heights community of San Diego.Throughout the conversation, Kenton passionately describes the various components that make the Dream School unique. From art and music sessions with local and international artists to mental health workshops and academic tutoring, the program aims to empower and inspire young minds. Kenton also explains the significance of the healthy living component, where children are encouraged to make better dietary choices and engage in physical activities, developing a balanced lifestyle that impacts not just their health but also their ability to learn and grow.Phil and Kenton discuss the vital role of interdependence and relational engagement in creating thriving communities, emphasizing the theme of interconnectedness that underpins the core of the podcast’s message. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Phil inquires about Kenton’s sources of inspiration, leading to a touching exploration of family legacy and the symbolic power of cherished family photographs.Key Takeaways:Holistic Approach to Education: The Dream School of the Arts integrates arts, healthy living, and academic support, offering a comprehensive program that nurtures all aspects of a child's growth.Community and Connection: The importance of building relationships and community interdependence stands out as a pivotal theme, reinforcing the idea that collaboration and shared support lead to healthier, more resilient communities.Inspiration and Resilience: Kenton reflects on the source of his inspiration, drawing strength from his parents' unwavering belief in his potential and their enduring impact on his life journey.=========KENTON REAVES HUNDLEY is an inspirational, creative, and passionate educator who’s worked with young people for years to empower them with the expectation of success, compassion, and the cultivation of faith. He has created deep and constantly evolving partnerships with a diverse array of community leaders including clergy, activists, athletes, artists, and educators throughout the San Diego region. For nearly 15 years he lent his expertise to curriculum design and supervision of the day-to-day instruction for unaccompanied minors from multiple educational and cultural backgrounds.Kenton holds a strong belief that all children, adolescents, and young adults have the capacity to learn through collaboration, leadership development, and honest discussion and partnerships in safe spaces where all those present find themselves willing to learn, share, and grow.As an artist, Kenton has won many awards for his socially conscious, hip hop and jazz-influenced poetry. He has been a guest lecturer/featured poet at San Diego State University, UCSD, USD, Miramar College, SD City College as well as at local schools. He’s a part of the Via International Global Education Team where he shares his Say It! Spray It! Speak Up. Be Heard. spoken word workshop for community activists. Kenton Reaves HundleyExecutive DirectorDream School of the [email protected]