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NBC News Puts Spotlight On The Arts At Bridgeport's Tisdale School

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Former New York Yankee Bernie Williams was the star of a segment on "NBC Nightly News" on Wednesday called "Inspiring America: Beloved Baseball Star Brings Arts to Schools." 

Former New York Yankee Bernie Williams jams with students at Jettie S. Tisdale School in Bridgeport during a segment on NBC Nightly News.

Former New York Yankee Bernie Williams jams with students at Jettie S. Tisdale School in Bridgeport during a segment on NBC Nightly News.

Photo Credit: NBC Nightly News Screenshot
Yankees legend Bernie Williams jams with students at Tisdale School last year.

Yankees legend Bernie Williams jams with students at Tisdale School last year.

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness

New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams plays "Low Rider" with students in the Turnaround Arts program at Tisdale School in Bridgeport last year.

Photo Credit: Video credit: Meredith Guinness

But sharp-eyed local viewers will be just as delighted to see the spotlight on Bridgeport's Jettie S. Tisdale School, where Williams makes music with the students. 

Williams is a leader in the "Turnaround Arts" program, which brings arts education to schools that need them the most, NBC News said.

One student interviewed, Joshua Gill, tells how he went from chronically tardy to the honor roll. "You have to be good to be in band," he says of his transformation. 

RELATED STORY: Yankees Great Bernie Williams Visits Tisdale School To Boost The Arts

A year ago, Williams, a Latin Grammy nominee, brought a donation of $8,000 to enhance arts instruction during a visit to Tisdale School. 

The four-time World Series champ told students he loved playing baseball, but his passion remains music.

“The arts and music made me who I am today,” said the guitarist, who lives in New Fairfield and White Plains.

The Turnaround Arts mentor program empowers high-need schools with arts resources, training and integration into other subject areas as a strategy to address broader school challenges.

“He is an inspiration to our students, as he continues his education and tells our students to work hard in school every day,” said Principal Charmaine Worthy.

Click here to watch the story at the NBC Nightly News website.

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