A message from Latoya Bullard-Franklin, parent of recent NOCCA graduate Kaci Wall
As a daughter of New Orleans, my destiny brought me back home in 2018 to serve the community that has given so much to me. After living in other major cities for 20 years, returning home was a must so that my daughter could also enjoy such a rich experience of innovative culture, unique traditions, and community that would help her to become the best version of herself.
My daughter Kaci Wall has been a consummate actress since first grade and began to be bullied for things that she enjoyed. With most schools removing the arts from their curriculum, she had a difficult time connecting to a traditional school environment in which to excel in the face of adversity. She was in need of a safe space where she could be herself as a creative person. The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts provided a foundation at the most critical moment of her life, and exposure to the right people at the right place at the right time has helped her grow to be a respectable adult.
From the energizing journey to the amazing actors, her time at NOCCA was an experience that she’ll never take for granted. She met a talented ensemble of happy friends that helped her navigate the rough times of high school. In her three wonderful years at NOCCA, Kaci has learned the art of balancing academics, arts, and sports – all important lessons that she will take with her as she attends Howard University this fall. The vibrant and vivacious daughter that she is today would not have been possible if not for the commitment of the NOCCA students, teachers, and administrators. NOCCA is a microcosm of everything that makes New Orleans extraordinary and is the perfect ambassador to preserve our history and legacy.
Latoya Bullard-Franklin
You can support students like Kaci with a gift to the NOCCA Foundation!
We’ll use your contribution to fund students’ school supplies, ACT prep courses, college application fees, workshops with visiting artists, and much, much more.