Coming back to Indiana: Jackson brothers sing praises of Gary’s West Side Leadership Academy students
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Jackie Jackson, left, and Tito Jackson chat with 11-year-old Jamey Jones at West Side Leadership Academy during a visit to the school Wednesday. Jamey had earlier performed “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King.
West Side Leadership Academy student Quaylin Cheairs, left, meets Jackie and Tito Jackson as they tour the school Wednesday.
Jackie Jackson takes part in a TV interview at West Side Leadership Academy on Wednesday.
From left, Jackie and Tito Jackson along with West Side Theatre Guild director Mark Spencer listen to members of the West Side Leadership Academy perform.
Tito Jackson takes part in a TV interview at West Side Leadership Academy.
From left, Chareice White from Majestic Star Casino and Jackie and Tito Jackson get ready to see a short performance at West Side Leadership Academy during their visit to the school.
From left, Jackie and Tito Jackson along with West Side Theatre Guild director Mark Spencer listen to members of the West Side Leadership Academy orchestra perform Wednesday under the direction of director Rovelli Grib.
Chelsea Whittington, left, records a TV interview with Jackie, center, and Tito Jackson during their visit to West Side Leadership Academy.
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GARY — “You guys are so good,” said Jackie Jackson, as he hugged singer Taylor Iman after her performance of “I’ll Be There” at Gary’s West Side Leadership Academy.
Jackson, the eldest of the performing Jacksons, had tears in his eyes after Iman and a few other students belted out an emotional version of the hit ballad made popular by the Jackson Five in the 1970s.
Jackie and brother Tito Jackson were back in Gary Wednesday morning, where they paid a visit to West Side. They toured some of the performing arts classrooms and watched while members of the student body displayed their talents in orchestra, dance, voice, recording techniques and theatrics. The school was formerly West Side High School.
“You have no idea how many times we’ve paid tribute to you here,” said Mark Spencer, director of West Side Theatre Guild, as the Jacksons entered the school. Spencer said they invited the Jacksons, who were in Gary for happenings related to the upcoming groundbreaking of the Hard Rock Casino, to come and view the school and watch the students perform.
The last time the Jackson brothers were at West Side was for a concert they performed in 1971, which was featured in their “Goin’ Back to Indiana” special.
“I’m grateful for this experience,” said Spencer, adding he and other school personnel were honored that the Jackson brothers took time to view some of the performing arts programs. He said he hopes the school can possibly work with the Jacksons in the future to develop various performance education experiences.