Atlantic City Public Schools Students Shine in ‘Camp Lit’ Visual Performing Arts Showcase

ATLANTIC CITY – Students from Pennsylvania Avenue School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Visual Performing Arts programs joined forces on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for a spirited Broadway mashup that brought music, theater and Disney-inspired fun to the stage.

Billed as “Camp Lit,” the collaborative production featured student performances from several well-known stage and screen favorites, including Annie, Fame Jr., Pirates Jr. and Hakuna Matata. The performance centered on a fictional storyline in which students learned they might not be able to attend camp because of a lack of funding.

Through song, dance and acting, the young performers expressed the frustration, disappointment and determination that came with the dilemma. Numbers such as “Hard Knock Life” from Annie, “Pirate” and “Hakuna Matata” helped move the story forward while giving students a chance to showcase their vocal, theatrical and movement skills.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small said VPA programs help students discover skills they may not have realized they possess. “The performing arts inspire creativity, confidence and collaboration, and Camp Lit is a wonderful example of what happens when our schools come together to provide meaningful learning experiences for students,” Dr. Small said. “Watching students from Pennsylvania Avenue School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex share the stage with such enthusiasm and talent reflects our commitment to educating the whole student.”

Michael Bird, Director of Special Projects & Assessments, said students can also develop motivation through such programs. 

"It's always exciting to provide the students with opportunities to showcase their talents and it's great when parents come out to see their children in a culminating event for the summer," said Bird.

Pennsylvania Avenue School Principal Thomas Biggins said working together helps build relationships. “Our students live blocks apart,” said Biggins. “It’s great to collaborate with other neighborhood schools. People move around so we want them to know that no matter what door they walk through, they will be welcomed with open arms.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Principal Jodi Burroughs said the joint effort worked seamlessly. “We just want to thank Pennsylvania Avenue School for hosting us. Our children were able to collaborate with another school and do something together without division,” said Burroughs. “We appreciate all the work that all of the directors collaborated to accomplish.”

Dr. Nycole Lyles-Belton, of Pennsylvania Avenue School, said students and staff on every level participated.

“We have students from kindergarten through seventh grades. We have teachers from both schools who have come together in collaboration, and we’re excited about what we are going to do,” Dr. Lyles-Belton said before the show began. “For some of the students, it is their first time performing. Others are returning Visual Performing Arts students and it’s been my pleasure to be one of the directors.”

The 10 a.m. performance filled the cafetorium at Pennsylvania Avenue School, where parents, teachers and community members packed the room to support the students. The audience responded enthusiastically as performers from both schools shared the stage and highlighted the creativity and teamwork developed through their Visual Performing Arts programs.

The production demonstrated how the arts can bring school communities together while giving students an opportunity to build confidence, collaborate with peers and tell a story through performance. By combining familiar musical selections with an original camp-themed plot, “Camp Lit" offered a lively celebration of student talent and the power of performing arts education.

“Camp Lit was about much more than putting on a performance,” Dr. Lyles-Belton said. “It was an opportunity for students from two schools to learn from one another, build friendships and discover their voices through music, acting and dance.”
The superintendent echoed that sentiment.
“We are proud of our students, teachers and staff for creating opportunities that encourage self-expression, teamwork and a life-long appreciation for the arts,” Dr. Small said.

To see our complete gallery from the Camp Lit performance: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZLszhsuGfWJTysa96

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