In autumn 2012, John MacDonough High School began its transition into a charter school, operated by ReNew Schools. In September, I started documenting the transformation, focusing on extra curricular groups and sports teams that meet after school. For over 25 years, “John Mac”, which is located in New Orleans’ 7th ward, has been notorious for its violence, low performance, and winning athletic programs. Consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous and poor quality high schools in the nation, it has been likened to a dumping ground for dead-end students. However, not all students here are burdened by the stigma of the school and the majority is pursuing teenage life in a fairly typical manner. This work is an introduction to the students and first installment of a project that explores adolescents developing identities.
Photos by Akasha Rabut – postmedium.org/akasharabut
It’s nice to see something positive about this school especially with the upcoming documentary about it.