Talking about the fun pathways at FSPA with Raye Lynn and Susana (audio)

FM #1058 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1058 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and Director of the Franklin School for Performing Arts, and special guest FSPA alum Susana Cordon. We recorded this in the Franklin Public Radio Studio on  Thursday, June 1, 2023.  

Yes, this sat in the archives for a while due to some unforeseen events that held up the publication. Aside from the future view, now in the past, the pathways talked of still apply.

Susana tells her amazing story following her path through FSPA to Carnegie-Mellon and is looking forward to an exciting year with a performance in Violet (with FPAC), an alumni show with the Electric Youth European tour this summer, fall semester in Wales, followed by final semester and graduation in 2024. Definitely a commencement of whatever her future holds for her. 

We cover a lot of ground in about 34 minutes with Raye Lynn and Susana. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1058-fspa-fun-pathways-06-01-23

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Tickets for Violet are available -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1597 

Susana was quoted in a article about Carnegie-Mellon https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/carnegie-mellon-university-school-of-drama-star-factory-patrick-wilson-susan-tsu-john-wells-myhala-herrold-purnell-center/

FPSA post about Susan’s acceptance at Carnegie-Mellon

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fspa-senior-accepted-to-prestigious.html

Original conversation with Raye Lynn as we spend 38 minutes talking about 38 Main St and the evolution of FSPA to FPAC, THE BLACK BOX, et al …

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Susana in the FPAC production of Tartuffe at THE BLACK BOX

Electric Youth 2023 Bon Voyage Concert and European Tour Dates

Electric Youth 2023 returns at THE BLACK BOX for their Bon Voyage Concert with 2 shows -- Friday, June 16th at 7:30 pm sponsored by 1776 Financial and Saturday June 17th at 7:30 pm with special guests Future Shock!. Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. 

Electric Youth 2023 includes Tatiana McAlpine, Audrey Miningham, Devin DeAngelis, Finley Doherty, John Fitzhenry, Madigan Wirkus, Abby Trombert, Anya Fox, Ashley Pepin, Erin Belger, Tzintli Cerda, Hannah Connors, Anna Linde, Macie Hoben, and Mason Sanford.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Don’t miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment!

Tickets for the Bon Voyage Concerts -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1673&month=06&year=2023

Electric Youth 2023 Bon Voyage Concert

Electric Youth 2023  European Tour Dates

Electric Youth 2023 European Tour dates shared from ->

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs_sT5nOwlt/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser - March 24

Via Pantherbook, we share the news of the mattress fund raiser at FHS next Sunday, March 24.

"On Sunday, March 24, the group of FHS students participating in the trip to Europe will be participating in a mattress fundraiser from 10 AM - 4 PM.

What is a Mattress Fundraiser? 

On the day of the fundraiser (March 24) the FHS gym will turn into a showroom filled with all different types of mattresses, including name brands such as Simons Beauty Rest. People who come in on this day will be able to purchase a mattress, pillow, sheets, etc to benefit these FHS students. The mattresses are discounted up to 50% as well, and there are options for delivery. A portion of each individual mattress’s sale will go straight towards the FHS trip."

Continue reading about the mattress fund raiser
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2019/03/11/fhs-goes-to-europe-mattress-fundraiser/

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser (Pantherbook photo)

In the News: FHS trip to Europe approved; FHS students hear independent candidate for Senate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For the first time since 2014, the school department is allowing students to travel abroad. 

The School Committee granted permission Tuesday for Franklin High School to pursue its planning for a trip to Europe. 

High School history teacher Michael Walsh said the trip will be 10 heavy-hitting days, visiting places such as Berlin, Prague, Krakow and Budapest, and making stops at historic locations like Auschwitz. 

“The School Committee seemed as if it was just hitting pause on travel,” Walsh said. “The China trip (in 2014) went off without a hitch, and I think, for us, we haven’t been pushing travel recently.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180925/franklin-school-committee-approves-europe-trip

The School Committee did vote 7-0 to approve this trip
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

"U.S. Senate candidate Shiva Ayyadurai is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. And that’s what teacher Michael Walsh had in mind when he invited him to speak to his AP government politics students. 

Ayyadurai, an Indian-born scientist and entrepreneur who is running as an independent against incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Warren and Republican Geoff Diehl, made a stop at Franklin High School on Tuesday afternoon, speaking to two Advanced Placement senior classes about his stance on today’s politics and how young voters should approach the next election. 

“You guys, I would argue, are the tip of the spear in the independents’ movement,” said Ayyadurai, 54. “I want everyone here to get out there and vote, if you can, and we’re here to teach you more.” 

Walsh said the importance of bringing an independent candidate on campus to express his views is paramount to his coursework, and to understanding more than just the Republican and Democratic perspectives in the political world."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180925/us-senate-candidate-visits-with-franklin-students

For more details about Shiva as an independent candidate  https://shiva4senate.com/

Mike Walsh introducing Dr Shiva (photo via @r_raugusta)

Excited to hear Dr. Shiva speak to or AP Gov students about his experiences campaigning for MA Senate. Thanks @MockWalsh for coordinating and introducing. @va_shiva pic.twitter.com/Aa4DGxLn8Y

— RAugusta (@r_raugusta) September 25, 2018

"It doesn't get more exciting than this"

By Krista Perry/Daily News correspondent

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 21, 2008 @ 11:26 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Many high school students sit in class all day dreaming about getting their big break into stardom and touring Europe in a bus with their own band. Now, 15 students at the Franklin School of the Performing Arts are living that dream.

Electric Youth, a group of 14- to 18-year-olds, is performing their Broadway hits and American popular music for audiences in Austria, Slovena and Italy during its 7th annual one-month European tour. The group recently completed its third concert in Obergrafendorf, Austria, just outside of Vienna, in front of a very zealous audience.

"American music plays very well in Europe,'' said Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, in a telephone interview.
"The audience in Obergrafendorf was so enthusiastic. We did three encores.''

Andrew Holmes, a senior member of Electric Youth from Holliston who will attend the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music next fall, said that he loves the idea of being on tour in Europe.

"I love going from place to place with 15 of my best friends. I love being able to wake up and be somewhere completely new,'' said Holmes, in a telephone interview. He is on his third trip to Europe with Electric Youth. ``At first it was scary but I learned to love it.''

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

For more about the Franklin School for Performing Arts visit their website.