Written by Chandler Flowers, Communication Services junior associate.
Dax P., a senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, is a standout example of how talent, leadership, and dedication intersect to create students poised to make lasting impacts on society.
Known for his exceptional skills in visual arts, Dax’s legacy is one not just as a talented artist but also as a passionate leader. He is actively involved in several organizations that promote personal growth, academic excellence, and social responsibility.
“I have been drawing ever since I was little, but it really wasn’t just an exclusive love of drawing, but rather a broad appreciation of the arts,” he said.
Currently serving as co-president of the Visions for Confidence organization, whose mission is to empower students to pursue the arts and discover their identities, Dax demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, self-expression, and confidence among his peers.
Under his leadership, Visions of Confidence has grown to become a pivotal platform for students to explore and develop their artistic talents while building a supportive community.
“Having the ability to expand the opportunities of the arts and education provides me with joy. I was able to see the impact that someone, at minimum, just caring could have,” he said.
In addition to his leadership role, Dax is an active member of the prestigious Science National Honor Society, where he combines his love for the arts with an academic interest in scientific inquiry, something that Dax credits to improving his art skills.
“As a kid, I would study anatomy books at Barnes & Noble to truly understand the human form, lighting, and the shape of each muscle and texture. My love for the study of life and earth has helped me to truly understand the ways in which natural composition is formed,” he said.
Dax’s artistic abilities were recently celebrated at the annual Dallas Young Artist Exhibition held at the Blue Print Gallery, where his powerful charcoal drawing, “Blacklisted Pt.1,” earned first place and a $5,000 prize.
For Dax, the journey to artistic excellence has been one of hard work and mentorship. Booker T., as part of Dallas ISD’s commitment to fostering high achievement in the arts, provides him with the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to flourish.
“My favorite memory at Booker T. isn’t necessarily a single memory, but the endless support and love that the students and faculty the school has provided me with,” he said.
Dax finds inspiration in his A.P. drawing teacher, Kyle Clark, who was instrumental in motivating him to develop his artistic talents.
“Mr. Clark truly helped me to understand and communicate my passions through art. He helped me to understand the possibilities that awaited me at Booker T,” he said.
Dax’s accomplishments thus far have only been the beginning. This fall, he will be attending the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University, where he plans to continue his exploration of the arts and human development.
His advice to aspiring change makers and artists at Dallas ISD is simple.
“Don’t look at others to rank yourself, look at others as a means to expand what you believed was creatively possible,” he said. “You are an artist, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t take art so seriously. If you want to draw something that looks pretty, then draw it. Create for your own enjoyment.”
