We recently caught up with sisters Celine and Yasmine Anderson as they shared updates on their lives and reflected on their time at Community School.
Celine Aziza Kaldas Anderson
After attending Community School (Class of 2011), Celine went on to Community High School, Swarthmore College, and the VCUarts Master’s program. She now works as an art teacher at a public elementary school. Celine’s passion for art, activism, and teaching is evident. She is a member of the Southwest Coalition of Palestine where she volunteers, tirelessly advocating for a cause she believes in. When asked about her work as a teacher, her words convey her dedication to art education and a deep love and respect for her students.
Reminiscing on her time at Community School, Celine shared, “ I was thinking recently about our Local Hero Award ceremonies and how [Cherry Chapman, retired art teacher] had students make art to honor members of our community who were making a positive impact. It was so empowering to make art that would be used for something and given to somebody. Even though Cherry is now retired, I have no doubt that CS remains committed to the arts. This was truly a special aspect of my education.”
She also fondly recalled some of her teachers, adding, “Cherry, Katrina, and Gretchen made a huge impact on me at Community. The three of them truly taught with love and built a sense of trust in the classroom.”
Celine shared some parting wisdom for current Community School students: “Pay attention to the world around you! Stay awake! Talk to your classmates, and do not be afraid to challenge adults.”
Yasmine Anderson
After beginning her educational journey at Community School (Class of 2007), Yasmine went on to earn a BA from the University of Virginia, an MA from the University of Chicago, and most recently, a PhD in composition from the University of Pittsburgh. She now lives in Philadelphia, working in vintage sales and as a freelance copy editor under the name Other Words Editing.
Yasmine recognizes the lasting, positive impact her education at CS had on her. She reflected, “Community School developed my creativity and critical thinking skills, which definitely helped me succeed in all of my educational endeavors post-graduation. Community School also taught me to appreciate the arts and to see them as integral to education as opposed to an elective.”
One of Yasmine’s favorite memories from her time at CS was the Middle School Friday Groups. She warmly remembered, “One of the most memorable Friday Groups was led by Cherry, the art teacher. She took us to a senior living facility where we were each paired with a resident that we interviewed for a few weeks. During this time, we also worked on a portrait of the resident we were paired with. As a middle school student, it was invaluable for me to spend quality time with an older generation and to feel myself a part of the larger Roanoke community.”
In addition to her freelance copy-editing work, Yasmine volunteers at her local food pantry, cohosts a neighborhood reading group, and is in the process of editing her own novella. She hopes to share her doctoral dissertation, “Changing Blues: The Continued Life and Appropriation of Black Women’s Blues in Twenty-First Century Popular Culture” more widely and is looking into publication.
