Success Stories
Jane’s Place at Nettlehorst Elementary ~ Michael Morrow
Michael Morrow began performing when he was just three years old. He would regularly break into song as a toddler, when his mother immediately recognized him as a talented and outgoing child. In kindergarten, Michael made his stage debut, and has been performing for audiences ever since.
“I don’t get nervous, I just know all my lines,” Michael says, confident in his abilities.
Michael, now 11, has indulged his passion for singing and acting through Jane’s Place at Nettelhorst School. In partnership with the Jane Addams Hull House Association, Nettelhorst sponsors Jane’s Place, a program that offers after school activities to Nettelhorst students.
A Nettelhorst student since second grade, Michael takes full advantage of the opportunities offered at the school. As a member of Broadway Kids, Michael fulfills his dream of a life on stage. However, acting is not the only activity keeping Michael busy at Jane’s Place. He is also a member of Tae Kwon Do, Lill’s Arts, jazz art, and takes percussion and cooking classes. These classes have exposed Michael to many different cultures: he’s learned how to whip up Chinese and African dishes and play African and Latin drums.
Tae Kwon Do has helped Michael grow as a person. His weekly classes teach him strength and discipline and give him a chance to interact with others. He has reached the level of brown belt, second only to black belt, and enjoys the classes because “they’re fun,” but his mother Tonia recognizes the deeper benefits of such programming.
Since becoming a part of Jane’s Place, Tonia says she’s noticed a change in Michael. Michael agrees. Tonia says,” He’s become more focused and pays attention to details, which I attribute to Tae Kwon Do,” Tonia says. Adds Michael, “Now I have more confidence.”
Jane’s Place has been a safe haven for Michael and others like him, providing them with opportunities to not only keep busy when school hours are officially over, but also to learn and grow.
