04/26/2026
This past Thursday was pretty amazing as we attended the 4th Annual Melinda Vooss Creative Arts Festival at Chesapeake Bay Academy.
The entire festival was a beautiful reflection of this year’s theme, I Am CBA, and all the ways this community shows care, builds confidence, and finds meaning through creativity.
We had the honor to speak and Scott Vooss shared how art has a unique ability to bring people together. When students create, they are not just making something. They are sharing a piece of themselves. When that is met with support and encouragement, it creates something even bigger. It creates connection.
You could feel that throughout the entire afternoon... especially as artists proudly stood by their artwork.
From the thoughtful art projects and collaborative displays to the hands-on makerspace and STEAM creations, each piece told a story. The choir and student musicians added something truly special, bringing the theme to life through performance and giving voice to the creativity we saw all around us.
What stood out most was the sense of belonging. This is a place where students are supported in being themselves and where creativity brings people together.
Melinda believed deeply in that idea. She saw art as a way for students to discover who they are and connect with others in meaningful ways. Seeing that belief continue to live on so vividly here means a great deal to our family.
There was also a special display featuring original artwork created by Eric Worden during the 2024 festival, including a guitar adorned with artist names, mediums, and characteristics that represented Melinda. There was also a poetry art display, including a representation of To Honor Her Bold Walk, an original poem created by teacher and poet Synnika Lofton in honor of Melinda at our first annual festival. These pieces served as a powerful reminder of how her influence continues to inspire creativity across this community.
As Dr. Judy Jonkowski prepares to retire from her role at CBA, we want to express our sincere gratitude for her leadership and vision. She played such a key role in creating this festival and building a community where it could thrive. I have no doubt that the foundation she has set, along with the incredible team of teachers and staff, will continue to make this a vibrant and meaningful event for years to come.
To the students, teachers, families, and staff, thank you for making this day so special and for continuing to honor Melinda in such a genuine way.
If this mission speaks to you, we invite you to learn more about the Melinda Marcus Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund and consider supporting our work to inspire and empower young artists.
https://www.artfullyyoursfund.org/
