Introducing the Panthers of Lucille Brown Middle School

Hallways and classrooms are buzzing again as teachers return to the buildings this week. And this school year, Start 1 Spark is starting an exciting new chapter adding a new school partner in the City of Richmond - Lucille Brown Middle School. 

Drama teacher, Charles Ownby, shares how distinctive the Lucille Brown community is as an international baccalaureate school.

“I’ve worked here for about nine years and what I think is amazing and unique about Lucille Brown is that it’s a very emotionally driven experience for everybody and middle school can be intense,” said Ownby.

The intensity of middle school and students’ desire to formulate who they are is exactly why Start 1 Spark partners exclusively with middle schools. Through collaboration with area schools, Start 1 Spark expands student opportunities to sports, music, arts, and clubs allowing students to accomplish their goals, develop their confidence, and discover their talents and strengths.

“The kids aren’t done growing up yet, and they experience a lot of things physically, emotionally, and psychologically,” said Ownby. “When Principal Hawkins told me Start 1 Spark would like to meet and talk about things we could do theatrically for the students like making flats and painting a black box room, I thought it was a great idea. If we have more people invested in our student’s success, then they are more likely to be successful,” said Ownby.

Providing schools with the right spaces and resources for students to have a more holistic school experience is Start 1 Spark’s mission. Teachers like Ownby consistently invest in students so they transition into high school and beyond confidently and more prepared.

“Every year, I want students to leave Lucille Brown knowing they’re valued and have gained the skills that can help them with their future careers,” said Ownby.

Ownby remembers how stressful it was to navigate the social aspects of school before social media made it even more challenging. He emphasizes how important it is for students to learn that there will always be hard days and they can get through them. Participating in school extracurriculars provides a safe learning environment in which students can navigate hardships discover strengths they didn’t know they had.

“What really astounds me is their ability to stay incredibly resilient whether it's a social, emotional, or academic situation, that is why I tell them not to give up quickly,” said Ownby.

At Lucille Brown, Ownby is not alone in caring about the overall success of his students. He praised his colleagues for consistently going above and beyond to support students. 

Ownby further states, “The staff inspires me everyday, whether it's staying after school with the kids and doing many creative activities or helping them overcome academic challenges by tutoring. I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the last several years.”

With Start 1 Spark joining the Panther community, Lucille Brown Middle School staff see this partnership as bringing new ideas to the table to ensure the students feel valued and experience a community investing in them. Because when the community comes together, everyone is uplifted.