Scott Thomas, left, and Blake High School costume design teacher Jared Porter, talk about the magnet school's arts program and how it gets students excited about learning. Thomas is the new executive director of Magnet Schools of America in Washington, D.C.

It was the impromptu performance that theater students live for, and exactly what the stranger who walked inside their classroom came to see.

Fifteen-year-old Samantha Ely, a freshman in Blake High School’s performing arts magnet program, was front and center, singing a cappella to an entourage of visitors including Scott Thomas, the new executive director of Magnet Schools of America.

Blake High freshman Samantha Ely sings for visitors from Magnet Schools of America.

“That was amazing,’’ said the former social studies teacher from Minnesota.

Not satisfied as a mere audience member, Thomas took the stage at the Tampa, Fla. school, polling Samantha and her classmates on what they liked best about attending a school with a specialized track of study.

“Freedom,’’ said one girl as she brushed her hands across her ripped jeans. “There are no cliques. And I can dress like this.’’

“We’re all doing exactly what we like the most,’’ said another.

Thomas wanted to hear more.

“How do you know when you’re in high school what you want to do with the rest of your life?’’ he asked the room full of future singers, dancers and actors.

“I go to bed singing songs,’’ said one of the seniors. “I wake up singing songs.’’

And in between, she said, she feeds her passion at Blake, singing in two to three classes. (more…)