Reality Show Makeover Detroit High School
A major makeover is underway at Communication and Media Arts High School on Detroit's west side, and part of a new NBC reality TV series, School Pride.
Denise Kramsey, School Pride's Executive Producer, said volunteers began work on Sunday and will be completed in time for the big reveal Friday.
"Every room in the school will be touched with new paints, patching and repairing the walls and the floor, we'll have updated technology throughout the school," Kramsey said.
"We'll have the creation of the first, of what I understand, is going to be many of these college suites, where kids can actually go in and talk online with college admission counselors where they can get help filling out applications," she said.
CMA High School was slated for shut down, but students, staff and the community rallied for the school to stay open.
"Actually twice they were on the cut list and were able to save themselves," Kramsey said. "And they were on the cut list this year as well, for the third time, and we didn't know if they would be able to save themselves."
She said she thinks hopefully the facility's renovation that's being done by the community will mean that they're never going to be cut again.
Kramsey said it was the passion that stood out in the selection process.
"It was the true dedication of the students," Kramsey said. "They cut their own video, they shot and edited their own video and they interviewed Mr. Bobb and Principal Dickson and they talked about their academic record."
"And they said we're doing everything right, we just need the school to help us," she said.
The presentation and the fact that 95 percent of CMA students go on to college really spoke to her, Kramsey said.
Ron Simpkins, of the Wayne State University VAC Program and former NFL linebacker from Western High School, said he was pleased to hear that a DPS school was chosen for this project.
"They've continuously fought over years to keep CMA open and this is a thing that I take a great deal of pride in," said Simpkins.
Kramsey said she thinks hopefully the facility's renovation that's being done by the community will mean that they're never going to be cut again.
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