Alumni Stories
When Madison first walked into TheGifted Arts (TGA) in sixth grade, she had just stepped away from her aspirations in gymnastics due to an injury. The transition was anything but easy—her confidence was low, and the challenges she faced in school only added to her hesitation. Yet, her mother, determined to keep her daughter engaged, took her to the African American Festival in downtown Raleigh, where Madison first saw a group of dancers performing. Little did she know, that moment would set her on a path that would shape her future in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Without TheGifted Arts program, I wouldn't be the DJ I am today. My passion and dreams were ignited in a middle school auditorium…I’m traveling the world doing what I love.
- Fred Lassiter aka DJ 9ine
