Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy glee club makes history at Dallas Mavericks Game

Written by Darius A., journalism student from Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy

On April 4, over 20,000 fans could be heard cheering throughout the American Airlines Center as the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy  Glee Club High School Varsity Ensemble sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

This anticipated trip caps off an incredible school year for the varsity ensemble highlighted by performances at the Dallas Police Department Graduation, Dallas ISD Multicultural Festival, and North Park Center.

Director Dustin Barksdale, BOMLA’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year and fellow Mavericks fan, expressed his excitement for this incredible opportunity.

“I have been looking forward to this moment for the past one calendar year,” he said. “We have been thinking about it, talking about it, and we were finally able to step foot on the court and get to perform for the Dallas Mavericks!”Brother Teh’Darreon B. knows the impact this performance can possibly have on the BOMLA community going forward.“This means a lot to me! This gives us the chance to showcase just how great BOMLA really is and possibly land other partnership deals in the future as well,” he said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and to be a member of this program.”

Brother Issac M., a long-time member of the glee club, knows that this is truly a special moment.

“This means something unique! This is something that a lot of people don’t get to do, a true once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m grateful to be a part of this special group,” he said.

Brother Erick C., the only senior member of BOMLA Glee Club, shares the same sentiment as Molina.

“This was really exciting! This is something that we will be able to remember for a long time,” he said. “A lot of people don’t get this opportunity before they graduate, so this will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

Brother Andres J., one of the leaders of the choir program, understood the immense amount of pressure behind having a great performance.

“I believe we had a great performance! There is always a time where you get nervous when it gets time to perform, especially when you’re about to perform in front of over 20,000 people” he said. “I’m definitely proud of this group! We locked in and enjoyed being out there.”

The choir enjoyed an offensive masterclass by the Mavericks as superstars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving combined for over 50 points in the down-to-the-wire win. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 95 to 109.