Raised in Atlanta, Cory is a junior at DeKalb School of the Arts where he is majoring in vocal music and minoring in visual arts. Cory loves the arts, a passion he discovered at the Samuel L. Jones Club, and aspires to pursue as a career one day. He believes art can be used to drive positive change amongst his peers beyond metro Atlanta.
Cory is passionate about youth in America and about using different forms of art – like music, poetry, dance and illustration – to teach his peers the importance of gaining new experiences and making good choices. Cory credits his Club for shaping him into a leader in his community and his school.
Cory has attended the Jones Club since 5th grade, and after initially meeting a few good friends and hospitable staff, he began to flourish at the Club.
Cory first joined Torch Club, a service club for boys and girls ages 11 to 13, where he eventually rose to president and gained many leadership qualities through drives and volunteer events within the organization.
Cory has remained an active member at the Club, and is currently involved in various programs such as Keystone – a career preparation and community service program, and College Bound – a leadership program designed to help students navigate the college entrance process. In both, he’s helped choreograph and organize performances and events throughout the programs. This past summer, Cory was also trusted to work as a junior staff member at his Club, serving meals and prepping activities in the kitchen facility.
Cory is a talented, yet humble young man whose friendly smile and comedic personality go hand and hand with his artistic and creative fascination for the arts. In addition to participating in his school’s show choir, Cory performs in theaters all across Atlanta. Corey is proud to serve as the 2016 Youth of the Year for the Samuel L. Jones Club. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly and he vows to use his voice and his creative gifts to be the positive change he wants to see in the world.
Learn more about the art programs that have impacted BGCMA youth like Cory.