CENTRO Students Get a Glimpse of Life at Perpich

September 2, 2026

On August 27th, Perpich Arts High School welcomed 18 young people and three chaperones from CENTRO’s Raíces summer youth program for an afternoon of exploring campus, connecting with students, and experiencing the arts.

The visiting students, ages 12–17, came from schools across the Twin Cities and participated in student-led tours, conversations with Perpich students, and performances by our young artists. Perpich students including Adrianna Dvorak (Dance 2027), Anais Froberg-Martinez (Literary Arts 2027), Siggy Gozola (Visual Arts 2027), Miyah James (Dance 2027), Ellorie Lampe (Music 2027), Shea Rice (Theater 2027), Nicho St. Germaine (Music 2027), and Simone Ueland (Dance 2027) helped welcome the group, shared their experiences at Perpich, and/or performed for the visitors.

Principal Rebecca Bullen welcomes the CENTRO students in the Perpich atrium

Principal Rebecca Bullen thanked the students who stepped up during the busy first week of school to make the visit possible.

“They got to see your spark and passion and hear your voices,” Bullen said. “You shared how arts and learning are different here, how education can be different, and maybe even sparked an interest for them down the road.”

The visit introduced younger students to the Perpich community and gave them a firsthand look at the creativity, leadership, and sense of belonging that shape the Arts High School experience.

Perpich dancers perform in the Dance Studio

“I am so proud of you, our students, for stepping in at the last minute to support our school and share your stories with other young people,” Bullen said. “You showed up with generosity, creativity, and heart.”

Centro Tyrone Guzman is committed to contributing to the well-being of Latine families through a holistic and intergenerational approach to education, health, and wellness. Centro Tyrone Guzman envisions a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Latine community that belongs and contributes to the social and economic vitality of Minnesota. As the oldest and largest Minneapolis-based multi-service Latine organization, Centro Tyrone Guzman is proud to represent a diverse group of staff and community members. Founded during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s, local artists, scholars, poets, and students united forces to uplift, support, and celebrate Chicane and Latine culture.

Perpich students across arts areas speak about their experience at Perpich and answer questions. A CENTRO educator helps to translate.

Raíces is an after-school program serving Latino youth ages 12–18. The program integrates education and cultural identity, addressing topics such as leadership, mental health, sexual health, entrepreneurship, empowerment, healthy relationships, LGBTQ+ awareness, anti-discrimination, anti-bullying, anti-racism, assertive communication, financial literacy, career development, volunteerism, and college access. During July and August, Raíces runs a summer program three days per week (Wednesday–Friday), combining educational workshops with engaging field trips such as visits to lakes, parks, museums, colleges, universities, and health clinics.