Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley

In this inspiring episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a heartfelt dialogue with Kenton Hundley. The conversation takes listeners on a journey from their first meeting in San Diego to Kenton's creative work with the Dream School of the Arts. This episode is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and personal growth.

Philip Amerson and Kenton Hundley's friendship traces back to their time at the First United Methodist Church in San Diego. Kenton fondly recalls being pleasantly surprised by Phil's knowledge of HBCUs and personal connections, which laid the foundation for their relationship. Their discussion moves seamlessly from their personal history to Kenton's multifaceted life roles, capturing the essence of his passion for art, teaching, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation at the Dream School of the Arts.

The Dream School of the Arts, as Kenton describes, is his "third baby," emphasizing its significance in his life. Open for nearly a year, this after-school program serves fourth and fifth graders in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. It is a hub of creativity and learning, where the arts, healthy living, and academic support converge. Kenton shares that the school environment nurtures students with artistic and musical classes, promotes wellness through physical activities and mental health workshops, and reinforces education with daily homework and reading sessions. This holistic approach is bolstered by community support, including college student workshops and senior citizen volunteer programs.

This conversation brings to light several key takeaways:

1. Interdependence Over Independence: The episode echoes the broader theme of the Belonging Exchange—interdependence outweighs independence. Kenton’s narrative highlights how relationships and community involvement, whether through church support or volunteer participation, are essential to personal and collective progress.

2. The Power of Dreams and Perseverance: Kenton's journey with the Dream School underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passion with dedication and resilience. His early envisioning, even amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, demonstrates the transformative power of dreams fueled by consistent effort and community engagement.

3. Creating Holistic Educational Spaces: The Dream School's model found in this episode serves as an inspiration for reimagining educational spaces. By integrating the arts, health, and academics, the school fosters a nurturing environment that attends to the diverse needs of children, preparing them to thrive in various aspects of life.

Kenton’s candid reflections reveal the profound impact of personal relationships, both familial and professional, in shaping his journey. The episode concludes on an uplifting note regarding his relationship with his parents and his two daughters serving as constant reminders of his roots and motivations. As listeners, we are left with an appreciation for the arts and education as conduits for change and the indelible impact of community-centric initiatives.

Tune in to this episode of "To Be and Do" for a heartfelt exploration of Kenton Hundley's journey—a story of dreams, dedication, and the enduring power of community.

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KENTON REAVES HUNDLEY is an inspirational, creative, and passionate educator who’s worked with young people for years to empower them with the expectation of success, compassion, and the cultivation of faith. He has created deep and constantly evolving partnerships with a diverse array of community leaders including clergy, activists, athletes, artists, and educators throughout the San Diego region. For nearly 15 years he lent his expertise to curriculum design and supervision of the day-to-day instruction for unaccompanied minors from multiple educational and cultural backgrounds.

Kenton holds a strong belief that all children, adolescents, and young adults have the capacity to learn through collaboration, leadership development, and honest discussion and partnerships in safe spaces where all those present find themselves willing to learn, share, and grow.

As an artist, Kenton has won many awards for his socially conscious, hip hop and jazz-influenced poetry. He has been a guest lecturer/featured poet at San Diego State University, UCSD, USD, Miramar College, SD City College as well as at local schools. He’s a part of the Via International Global Education Team where he shares his Say It! Spray It! Speak Up. Be Heard. spoken word workshop for community activists. 

Kenton Reaves Hundley

Executive Director

Dream School of the Arts

khundley@dsoasd.org

www.dsoasd.org