Where are they Now?
The Miramar Cultural Center (MCC) first opened its doors in 2008 – sixteen years ago. Since 2012, the Little Broadway summer program at MCC has inspired and influenced hundreds of children. Over the years, many young people have participated in MCC’s camps, classes, and various activities. Recently, we reconnected with some of these former participants to see where life has taken them since their time at MCC. Here are a few stories from those whose lives were shaped by their artistic experiences at the Center.
Aidyn Perez
I went to Little Broadway Summer Camp when I was 12 years old. From the moment I walked in I could tell that I was going to love it. The programs and classes they had me do were amazing. Not to mention the field trips made my experience even better. I went to museums, theatres and more. Field Day was one of my favorite memories, but nothing tops the final show.
After getting to know all my fellow campers, we started working on acting, dancing, and singing skills to improve our abilities when show day came. The classes were fun, and I learned a lot from them. The teachers were amazing too and very professional. When that special day came around that we would perform for the whole city and all our parents it was thrilling. So much hard work was put into preparing for those shows, and it made that time worthwhile.
By the end of the summer I felt even better than I did when I first walked in. I made new friends, learned so many new things, and really enjoyed my time there. I will admit it was hard saying goodbye to my new friends, but I knew I would be back next summer to do it all again. I wish I could go back and do it one last time.
Moving ahead I look forward to graduating from High school (West Broward). I am already working on my Private Pilot License and, in the near future, I plan on becoming a Commercial Pilot for a major airline.
Thank you, Miramar Culture Center, for allowing me to develop my self-confidence!
Angeline Fontaine
“I am very grateful for the chapter of my life spent at MCC. Starting as a camper and later serving as a counselor, the camp provided me with invaluable experiences that helped shape my path” said Angeline Fontaine. “The friendships and mentorships I formed there have had a lasting impact on me. The camp allowed me to explore various talents and shine in multiple aspects of performance.”
Where is she now? Well, she completed her bachelor’s in 2022 with a degree in music, at Florida International University. Angeline is a full-time singer, actor, and voiceover artist. She also excels as an account executive at a PR company, where she manages events and client relations.
Angeline’s versatility spans genres like jazz, pop, R&B, and classical music. Her achievements include guest-starring roles in shows like Netflix’s "Bloodline," voiceover work, and private event performances. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to teach and mentor others, passing on the knowledge and experiences she has gained throughout the year.
“I cherish the growth and connections that MCC facilitated and am deeply thankful for that period in my life.”
Chelsea Lawton
I am profoundly grateful for the impact the Miramar Cultural Center - Little Broadway Summer Camp has had on my life. Before attending at age six, I was reserved and hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. However, the camp’s diverse offerings—Art, Violin, Dance, Piano, Percussion, Acting, Musical Theatre, Guitar, Music Theory, and Singing—under the guidance of mentors like Ms. Valerie Williams, Mama Nola and Jo Marie Payton and others were truly transformative.
A highlight of my experience was performing my first duet with the lead in Annie. This exhilarating moment significantly boosted my stage presence and self-confidence, skills that have been essential in my personal and professional life. The camp ignited my passion for the arts and greatly enhanced my confidence.
This newfound confidence led me to join Color Guard at Somerset Academy High School, where we won two World Championships with SFWGA and WGI in 2022 and 2023. Being recognized by Mayor Messam for our 2022 Championship was a proud moment. I also had the privilege of returning as a volunteer counselor and later as a full-fledged counselor at the camp, using my experience to help others grow. Currently, I coach the color guard team at Somerset Academy, teaching them the skills that have contributed to my success.
I am also pursuing my AA degree at Broward College and plan to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a focus on Tourism, aiming for a career as a Purchaser for major cruise lines. In conclusion, Little Broadway was a pivotal experience, and I hope others can benefit from such growth and inspiration.
Jaleah Johnson
"I’ve been involved with the Miramar Cultural Center (MCC) since I was 6 years old. My mom enrolled me in the Little Broadway Summer Camp, and I continued attending each year, even after her passing, until I aged out. Every year, I made new friends, many of whom I still keep in touch with, even as we are now grown and heading off to college. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at the camp a few times, and seeing the little kids have the same experiences I did at their age warms my heart.
Little Broadway Summer Camp sparked my love for theatre, leading me to join the drama club in middle school. When I was in 8th grade, during the COVID quarantine, I auditioned for the Dillard Center for the Performing Arts. This allowed me to continue pursuing my passion, and I’ve formed incredible friendships and gained unforgettable experiences. I’m forever grateful for that journey.
Now, as a high school senior, while I don’t plan to major in theatre in college, I do intend to minor in it. My primary focus will be on majoring in Forensic Science."
Kelis Tyghter
"I began my performing arts journey with Miramar Cultural Center at age six as an inaugural member of the Little Broadway Summer Camp. Participating in this MCC Camp inspired me in so many ways. I was exposed to dancing, percussion, voice and visual arts instructors that were experts in their fields. All the instructors were active performers that shared their expertise and their personal experiences as working artists. The ability to learn from professionals currently working in their current field further solidified my desire to pursue my passion.
In addition to the Little Broadway Summer Camp, I also participated in the Stevie Wonder Tribute Community Theater Production and served as a camp counselor for the camp I attended as a child.
MCC equipped me with expertise and inspiration that continue to inform and impact my journey to achieving my performing arts profession. I am currently a Junior at Florida International University pursuing a Bachelor’s in Science in PRAAC & Music Industry.
In three to five years, I plan to be a national recording artist entrenched in writing, performing and producing music that moves and inspires people!
I feel confident that I will accomplish my goal because of great performing arts opportunities that I have participated in since I was 4 years old. Performing is my passion. I am happiest when my voice is used to touch people’s souls!"
Sarai Francis
"Hi! My name is Sarai Francis and I attended Little Broadway Summer Camp from 2013-15 and again in 2019. Then, I was a volunteer in 2021 and 2023. Needless to say, this camp was and continues to be a big part of my life.
Growing up, I always had a love for theater but no outlet for it, as only 5th graders were able to partake in the theater program at my elementary school. I did dance and got to perform doing that, but it wasn’t the same. Once my mom saw the camp opening, she knew it was something I would love; and she was right! The time I spent there are times I will cherish forever, because not only did I make lifelong memories, but also lifelong friends. And I finally had a community where I could explore my love for the arts!
In the few years that I did not come to camp, because I was traveling most of those summers, I was in the theater programs at my school. I did that from 5th to 12th grade, so it’s definitely safe to say that Little Broadway Summer Camp quenched little Sarai’s thirst for theater and made me even more passionate about it than I already was.
I’m now a finance and marketing major at Florida State University. Although I am not studying theater, it still continues to be one of my main passions, and I am actively looking to join a theater program in Tallahassee. I also would love to pursue it after college and see where that takes me! I just want to give a huge thank you to Ms. Valerie. She has never stopped believing in me and that means the world to me! I will make sure to give her a shoutout if I ever win an Oscar!! And finally, to MCC, happy 16th birthday! Thanks for all of the amazing memories."
Zion Wint
"Hello! I am Zion Wint! I first went to the Little Broadway Summer Camp when I was 7 years old. The camp helped me realize my passion for acting and music. The teachers at the camp were one of my favorite parts of the experience as they allowed me to pursue my interests. The camp overall made me less of a shy character as a kid. It allowed me to be more articulate and comfortable with myself. As I rejoined the program to volunteer, I got to reconnect with some of my favorite teachers and develop leadership skills.
My love of music has grown. In elementary school I was a member of the Drumming Club, and I started Music digitally in 6th grade. I was a member of the Marching Band in both Middle & High School. I joined jazz band in Sophomore year, and I am now the Vice President of my school’s jazz band. Our jazz band has been growing and we have been booked at several events throughout the county.
I can play saxophone, drum set, piano, and various percussion instruments. I also understand Music Theory and I can utilize Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis.
In college I will major in Music and Math as I plan to be a musical producer. As you can see growing up in the Little Broadway Camp has grown my natural talents."
Ziya Marie Wint
"Hello, my name is Ziya-Marie and I’ve been a part of the Miramar Cultural Center family since I was 8 years old. Now, 9 years later, I have been a member of the Little Broadway Summer Camp for 4 productions, volunteered in the program during spring and summer for 2 years, and have gone to countless events at city hall, in the theater, and in the gallery.
My affiliation with the Center has encouraged my love of the arts in ways that still affect me to this day. I loved theater and performing and that has aided my execution in Speech and Debate for the past 4 years now. Dance supported my love of exercise which is translated to my longtime track career. Art has transformed into a passion for doodling and drawing which curiously helps me focus with help from my love of music. Speaking of, thanks to various instrumental classes and my parents own influence, I have developed a deep appreciation for a large range of genres. These separate interests have allowed me to branch out in many different extracurricular activities and classes, having the experience to qualify.
This being my last year in high school, I plan to pursue a governmental career that changes people’s lives for the better, especially children. In volunteering for the MCC camps and seeing so many families interact at City Hall, I am inspired to connect my love of helping children with my love of Law in a meaningful way."
Brandon Galvin
"My best summers were at Little Broadway. I could just be myself there. I’ll never forget the excitement of opening night and the thrill of standing on stage in front of a big audience. I made some great friends, and it was always tough to say goodbye on the last day of camp. Now, I'm in my senior year of high school, and while I'm not the same kid who first went to Little Broadway, I think all those summers of stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow. It’s definitely something I think about as I get ready to apply to colleges.” Brandon Galvin, Senior in High School"