This article is sponsored by the South San Independent School District.
Do you have a child who is interested in pursuing fine arts?
It's been two years since the Fine Arts Academy at Shepard Middle School has opened and its students are showcasing their talents in multiple ways.
The South San ISD magnet program accepts students from all over to excel in dance, theater and band, just to name a few areas of artistic endeavor.
SA Live's Jen Tobias-Struski introduced us to one student who is surprising his teachers every day with his talents.
"One thing I learned from Kingsley is to never underestimate an 11-year-old," said Zebastian Duchene, a teacher at Shepard Fine Arts Academy Middle School.
Kingsley Omyema, a student at the academy, takes theater and dancing lessons, and plays the trumpet.
He's already quite the artist, winning two drawing contests.
"It's a bit of a challenge for me to go to the Fine Arts Academy," said Omyema. "It gives you that small little push you need in order to actually get through all the struggles of life."
The teachers at Shepard Fine Arts Academy Middle School encourage their students to express their unique selves letting them know they are not alone.
"Our solution is to give them a stage and to let them be heard," said Duchene.
South San ISD encourages students to thrive and discover the best within themselves.
For more information, visit southsanisd.net or call 210-977-7000.