“Still in Motion” student artist Ava Hood created a space that celebrates the presence and voices of the Black community at Concord-Carlisle High School. Student musicians Rory Best and Willie Celcis provided a live jazz performance during the one-night gallery-style event to unveil the project. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — A student-driven photography project at Concord-Carlisle High School is highlighting student voices and experiences through a new exhibit created largely by students that is now set to become a permanent display in the building.
The project, titled “Still in Motion,” began with an idea from senior Ava Hood and grew into a collaborative effort involving more than two dozen students. The portraits, many taken by Hood, highlight students of color while allowing each participant to present themselves in a way that captures their individual interests, identities and experiences.
The exhibit grew out of the elective course Through It All: The Black Experience in America, taught by history teacher Jason Wise. During the class last year, Ava expressed interest in creating something celebratory that highlighted the Black American experience in a way that connected the past and present.
“At the start, Ava mentioned wanting to do something that celebrated her own Black experience,” Wise said. “Rather than focusing only on historical figures, we talked about highlighting the history being created right here in our own community.”
At the beginning of the school year, Wise and art teacher Joe Pickman began working with Ava to shape the idea into a photography project. Students who identified as students of color were invited to participate and decide how they wanted to be represented in the portraits.
As word spread, more and more students quickly became involved. By the time the project was complete, approximately two dozen students had taken part.
“Ava has a clear eye for photography, color and composition,” Wise said. “Other students saw what she was doing and wanted to get involved. It really became a student-led project.”
Participants were invited to personalize how they appeared in the display. Alongside the portraits, each student included a short description highlighting what defines them beyond race. Some referenced athletics, music or other passions, while others shared moments or experiences that held personal meaning.
One student, Laz Keita, also contributed an original poem as part of the exhibit.
The project was originally planned to debut during Black History Month, but weather and scheduling delays pushed the launch into March. Wise said the timing ultimately reinforced the project’s larger message.
“Our thinking was that recognition of identity and culture shouldn’t be limited to one month,” Wise said. “This is a conversation that should continue throughout the entire school year.”
The exhibit was first unveiled during a one-night gallery-style event attended by students, families and members of the school community. The photographs are now scheduled to be installed as permanent displays throughout the building.
Co-Principal Katie Stahl, who has been working on efforts to increase student representation within the school environment, said the exhibit also helps make the building itself feel more connected to the students who learn there.
“It’s a beautiful building, but it can feel very uniform,” Stahl said. “Having images of our students displayed throughout the school helps make the space feel more personal and representative of the community that’s here every day.”
The project started with a student idea and expanded with support from faculty and classmates.
“This started with a student idea and quickly grew once other students wanted to be part of it,” said Co-Principal Brian Miller. “It’s a great example of what can happen when students take the lead and teachers help support the work.”
Organizers say they hope to continue the project next year, with younger students taking the lead and building on the foundation created this year.
For Ava, seeing the project come to life has been especially meaningful.
“I wanted people to see that our stories and experiences are part of this school, too,” she said. “It was exciting to watch it grow and see other students want to be part of it.”
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