Brooklyn Scholars Charter School is bursting with Panther Pride! We are thrilled to celebrate eighth-grade student Nature Bartlett, who recently had the honor of representing the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City in celebration of World Steel Pan Day.
Taking his musical gifts to such an iconic global stage is an unforgettable accomplishment. For our school community, Nature’s incredible talent is no surprise. Over the years, he has frequently filled our halls with the vibrant sound and spirit of the steel pan during graduation ceremonies, school assemblies, and special events.
Embodied Leadership and Moral Focus
Nature’s dedication goes far beyond his own performances. During our Summer Learning Program, he tutored and encouraged young, aspiring percussionists who are just beginning their musical journeys. His willingness to lift up others reflects National Heritage Academies®' (NHA®) Moral Focus™ program, which weaves character virtues into everyday learning.Through his mentorship, Nature puts virtues like encouragement, compassion, and respect into action.
"I just wanted to share what I love and show the younger students that they can do this too," says Nature, "When you practice hard and stick with it, music can take you anywhere."
That spirit of giving back exemplifies true Panther leadership: sharpening your own gifts while inspiring someone else to discover theirs.
Mentorship That Opens Doors
Behind every great young artist is a dedicated educator. At Brooklyn Scholars, that guidance comes from our very own steel pan teacher and robotics extraordinaire, Ms. Ashley Murray!Under Ms. Murray’s direction, Nature continues to refine his technique, while students across grades third through eighth grade discover the history, culture, discipline, and joy of steel pan music. Ms. Murray’s passion was on full display during our Culture Day Celebration, when her scholars delivered a captivating performance that left parents cheering.
"The steel pan teaches our students discipline, patience, and how to work together as one cohesive team," Ms. Murray noted. "Seeing Nature take those lessons all the way to the United Nations makes me incredibly proud. It proves that when our students put in hard work, there is no limit to where their talents can take them."
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, the steel pan represents creativity, resilience, innovation, and community. Seeing a Brooklyn Scholars student carry that rich tradition straight to the United Nations is a testament to what happens when raw talent meets dedicated mentorship, hard work, and a community that believes in its youth.
Nature, you represented Trinidad and Tobago and Brooklyn Scholars with immense honor and pride! And Ms. Murray, thank you for pouring into our students every day, helping them uncover hidden talents and creating opportunities for them to shine far beyond our school walls.
The sound of the steel pan traveled from Brooklyn Scholars straight to the United Nations, and we couldn't be prouder! Keep making music, and keep making Brooklyn Scholars proud.
About Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Brooklyn, New York, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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