Page 165 - The Singing Contest 2019 Magazine

Back On Track

Parallel to The Singing Contest, SCJS Studios is home to the Back on
Track program where we offer audio and video instruction to youth in the
child welfare system. Currently, Sandeep Sewnandan is teaching Protools
while Eddie Vallejo Heredia is teaching video. Students Jake and Zack have
also had the chance to put their knowledge into action, helping out at the
contest. Zack has been operating a camera and Jake has covered the sound
when Lisa or Carlos need an extra set of hands. Both guys have blossomed
since they’ve been in the program but you don’t have to just take our
word for it, check out the following messages from Zack’s
foster mom and Jake’s biological mom

For more from Back on Track, check out out
the linked video - We All Want to Be Free.

January 14, 2019

To: John Santos
Back on Track Program
From: Claudette McFadden
Re: Zack

Good afternoon John,

I'm so excited and wanted to share with you my appre-
ciation for the work you’re doing with youths especially
Zack. Since he’s been taking lessons with you, I’ve noticed
a complete change in his behaviour both at school and at
home. Zack has become so much more responsible and not know the back ground of how the production came
respectful more so than before. about I would not have believe the song was actually
written and composed by these young people. This just
I cannot thank you enough for your selfl essness, dedi- goes to show how hungry these innocent children are for
cation and devotion to the children you work with. You knowledge and something that will impact their lives in
are making a huge impact in their lives and hope that you a positive way and our responsibility as adults and care-
will continue to do so as the valuable lessons you impart givers to making that happen.
to them will not only enrich their lives now but it will be
far reaching, extending into their future and will ultim- I encourage you to continue pouring into them as your
ately change their lives putting them on a path to success. reward is sure and will extend far beyond your time.
Once again I salute you and your organization, “Back on
You bring hope and empowerment to the children you Track”!
work with which gives them a sense of pride and a sense
of accomplishment. You’ve given the children a wonder- Have a great day!
ful opportunity to tell their stories in the song they com-
posed last year and it was done so professionally; if I did Claudette

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