[CharterSchools] Young Audiences Charter Schools Student to Represent New Orleans Pelicans at NBA Math Hoops Global Championship

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Young Audiences Charter Schools Student to Represent New Orleans Pelicans at NBA Math Hoops Global Championship


Chosen from among more than 200,000 students nationwide, YACS 4th grader Nigel Garbutt to receive an all-expenses-paid experience to New York City June 24–27


NEW ORLEANS – Young Audiences Charter Schools (YACS), open-enrollment, arts-integrated schools serving Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, is proud to announce that Nigel Garbutt, a fourth-grade student at Young Audiences Charter School at Kate Middleton, has been selected to represent the New Orleans Pelicans at the 2025 NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City this June. He was chosen from among more than 200,000 students nationwide who participated in this season’s NBA Math Hoops program.

Nigel will join other outstanding students from across the United States and Australia for a three-day experience of STEM learning, cultural exploration, and friendly competition. The championship is hosted by Learn Fresh and supported by the NBA, along with partners such as Hasbro and Getty Images.

“The program teaches math skills using basketball rules and terminology,” said Suzanne Blaum, Director of Education with Young Audiences of Louisiana. “This is just one example of how afterschool programs increase engagement in learning, school-day attendance, and math and literacy scores.”

Nigel was selected for his strong academic performance, outstanding sportsmanship, and character. As a dedicated afterschool student and participant in the 2023–2024 local Math Hoops tournament, Nigel has shown a high level of knowledge, grit, and leadership. His selection reflects both his individual strengths and the impact of the YACS afterschool program.

“Math Hoops, in conjunction with our YACS afterschool program, has deeply impacted our students by fostering a love of learning through the engaging and relatable lens of basketball,” said Sylvester Major, Recreational Sports Afterschool Coordinator. “It builds students' fluency in math, data analysis, and computation, while also strengthening social-emotional and collaboration skills.”

This is the second consecutive year a student from the Kate Middleton campus has been selected to attend the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship, a testament to the dedication of the staff and the success of the program. The all-expenses-paid experience includes travel, accommodations, meals, and participation in signature events in New York City from June 24–27.
To view the full list of participants and learn more about this year’s festivities, visit nba.mathhoops.orgParents interested in enrollment at YACS are encouraged to visit www.yacs.org, call (504) 304-6332, or email admissions at yacs.org for more information. Students enrolling in kindergarten are eligible for free YACS Summer Camp.
Nigel Garbutt (seated far left) with Pelican staff and YACS students playing Math Hoops.

Nigel Garbutt (2nd from left) with Pelican staff and YACS students playing Math Hoops.





About Young Audiences Charter Schools

Opened in 2013, Young Audiences Charter Schools are open-enrollment, arts-integrated charter schools operating on three campuses in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. At YACS, arts integration combines core academic subjects with dance, music, visual arts, and drama to enhance student engagement and academic achievement. Research shows that students in arts-integrated schools score higher on standardized tests, have better attendance, fewer behavioral referrals, and a stronger love of learning.




  
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