Senior brings joy of music to children

After visiting the orphanage she was adopted from as a child, Sanaya, a senior at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, was inspired to make a positive impact with her life. With her friend who attends Hockaday, Sanaya started Songbirds of Service, which spreads a love of music and singing with younger Dallas ISD students. “When I visited the orphanage, I saw myself in the kids who were still there,” Sanaya said. “I knew I couldn’t just go home from visiting the orphanage and do nothing. Singing has always brought me joy, so I decided to start Songbirds of Service to help other kids find happiness through music.” Today, Sanaya operates Songbirds of Service at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Learning Center, which is under discussion to become an arts-focused transformation school. MLK Jr. Learning Center could become an arts-focused campus as part of a district effort to increase school choice opportunities for underserved areas in South Dallas. Meanwhile, Sanaya is happy working with the students and making a positive impact in their lives. “I’m kind of like their older sister who provides guidance and help,” Sanaya said. “It brings me such joy to see that these kids love music just as much as I do.” 

      — From Dallas ISD Staff Reports