ONE SCHOOL. SHARED PURPOSE.
BESSEMER ELEMENTARY2026 HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Bessemer Elementary
Homecoming

A community-centered celebration bringing students, families and partners together through connection, recognition and school pride.

JOSHUA BROOKS / LEAD PLANNER & EVENT DIRECTOR
Complete stage group photograph from Bessemer Elementary's 2026 Homecoming, with students across both edges and Kate Ward in the center.
01 / THE CELEBRATIONSTUDENTS AT THE CENTER OF THE STORY
PROJECT
Bessemer Elementary Homecoming
MY ROLE
Lead Planner & Event Director
DISCIPLINES
Event Planning / Partnership Development / Community Engagement / Communications
CAPACITY
RATP Dev USA · Marketing & Client Engagement Manager

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Proposal & Funding

Drafted the event proposal and coordinated support for 110 pizzas. Funding was secured by We Move People.

Royal Court Collaboration

Worked with Miss Teen North Carolina to organize the Homecoming King and Queen crowning.

Awards & Recognition

Facilitated purchases of crowns and awards for participating students.

Donated Photography

Personally provided event photography services at no charge.

Strategic Partnership

Established the school collaboration and facilitated RATP Dev USA’s sponsorship.

Event Direction

Personally planned and directed the student-centered celebration.

Joshua Brooks with Kate Ward and a community partner at Bessemer Elementary.
THE PARTNERSHIP
Community participant with pizza boxes arranged at Bessemer Elementary's Homecoming Celebration.
THE SUPPORT
Students smiling and walking down the red carpet during the celebration.
THE RED CARPET

THE IMPACT

110

PIZZAS COORDINATED
FUNDED BY WE MOVE PEOPLE

HOMECOMING ROYAL COURT
KING & QUEEN CROWNING

RATP DEV USA × GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
SPONSORSHIP & COLLABORATION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FEEDBACK

A partnership that meant something.

“His caring heart, enthusiasm, great leadership, and genuine commitment to community engagement, have made a lasting impression.”

TANYA DIXON · Professional School Counselor, Bessemer Elementary School · April 8, 2026
EXPLORE THE FULL PROJECT & PHOTO GALLERY

I drafted the written proposal and personally planned and directed the celebration. I established the collaboration among Guilford County Schools, RATP Dev USA and We Move People, facilitated RATP Dev USA’s sponsorship connection with the school and coordinated funding for 110 pizzas for students and families. We Move People secured that funding. I worked with Miss Teen North Carolina to organize the crowning ceremony, facilitated purchases of crowns and awards for the children, and donated my photography services.

Kate Ward greeting a young student at the homecoming red carpet.
THE WELCOME
Students gathering around Kate Ward at the homecoming celebration.
THE CONNECTION
Kate Ward displaying RATP Dev USA branded merchandise.
PARTNER RECOGNITION

The school counselor’s April 8, 2026 letter also proposed future student and family initiatives; these are not represented as completed. The full letter and any sensitive details are not published. This project was led in my employment role at RATP Dev USA, not as an NDKA client commission. Named organizations are credited for factual context, not as endorsers of NDKA.