Welcome to State of the Art, where we celebrate all of the phenomenal accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to all, and don't forget to submit your accomplishments!

To submit a success story to be featured in State of the Art, please fill out the accomplishment submission form here.

To view additional accomplishments by conservatory, please visit this page.

  • President & CEO Teren Shaffer was featured in “Modern Luxury” magazine’s “The Power List”
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    President & CEO Teren Shaffer was featured in “Modern Luxury” magazine’s “The Power List”
    President & CEO Teren Shaffer was featured in “Modern Luxury” magazine’s “The Power List,” which features the top 50 trailblazers in leadership from Orange County. To read his feature, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Occmlf
  • Chloe Marbell Davidson was selected to become a researcher for the 2022 iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) cohort at the University of Texas at Austin
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    Chloe Marbell Davidson was selected to become a researcher for the 2022 iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) cohort at the University of Texas at Austin
    Chloe Marbell Davidson (PD, ‘17) was selected to become a researcher for the 2022 iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) cohort at the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Rubi Felix Gonzalez played a DJ set at an Anaheim Ducks game at the Honda Center.
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    Rubi Felix Gonzalez played a DJ set at an Anaheim Ducks game at the Honda Center.
    Rubi Felix Gonzalez (ACT, ‘26) played a DJ set at an Anaheim Ducks game at the Honda Center.
  • Daniel Zolghadri was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Breakthrough Performance for his starring role in the film “FUNNY PAGES”
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    Daniel Zolghadri was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Breakthrough Performance for his starring role in the film “FUNNY PAGES”
    Daniel Zolghadri (ACT, ‘18) was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Breakthrough Performance for his starring role in the film “FUNNY PAGES.”
  • Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition
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    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition
    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team, faculty advisor Whitney Coates, assistant coach Courtney Harper, and attorney coaches Justice Halim Dhanidina, Melissa Brandman, J.D, and Ethan Feng, J.D. for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition. In addition to this group effort, Sabrina Aguilar (DM, ‘23) received first place in the state for “Courtroom Art” and Emy Pardo (MT, ‘24) also received “Outstanding Cleo Shafer” for her excellent portrayal of that witness. Leadership Teacher and Mock Trial Advisor Whitney Coates was named Teacher Coach of the Year for OC Mock Trial.
  • OCSA has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles
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    OCSA has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles
    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles.
  • OCSA students were selected as 2023 Dragon Kim Fellows and earned $5,000 community service grants from the Dragon Kim Foundation
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    OCSA students were selected as 2023 Dragon Kim Fellows and earned $5,000 community service grants from the Dragon Kim Foundation
    The following students were selected as 2023 Dragon Kim Fellows and earned $5,000 community service grants from the Dragon Kim Foundation. These students were chosen from over 300 applicants across California and Nevada and went through a rigorous interview process to earn the fellowships. Along with the project funding, these students receive three weekends of leadership training and hands-on mentorship from local business professionals.

    Autistic2Artistic: Justin “JT” Freeman (PM, ‘25)
    Brain Aneurysms: An Underlooked Disturbance: Ramzi Idriss (FTV, ‘26)
    DearMe: Rohan Soni (PM, ‘26)
    EpiSTEMic: Lyn Huang (CW, ‘24) and Xinchun Audrey Zhang (IM, ‘24)
    Find Your Light: Lana Lee (IA, ‘26)
    Project Insight: Taren Azizi (ACT, ‘25) and Audrey Kim (ACT, ‘25)
    Somewhere In Time: Kyle Kim (FTV, ‘25) and Kaylie Viloria (PD, ‘25)
    Teacher's Pet: Natalie Hoffman (CW, ‘25)
    The Recycling Dictionary: Mary Hong (PD, ‘26) and Jiin Yun (CW, ‘24)
    Two Step Together: Edward Chen (IA, ‘24) and Jadon Vo (CMD, ‘25)
  • Sofya Levitsky-Weitz received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”
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    Sofya Levitsky-Weitz received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”
    Sofya Levitsky-Weitz (MT, ‘08) received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”, which is now streaming on Hulu.
  • The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team earned third place in the Regional Science Olympiad Competition
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    The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team earned third place in the Regional Science Olympiad Competition
    The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team attended the Regional Science Olympiad Competition, hosted by University of California, Irvine. The team took third place overall and advanced to the Statewide Science Olympiad competition held at CalTech in Pasadena.
    They medaled in 20 of the 23 events, coming in first place for four events and beating the reigning National Champion team. The team also received the following individual awards:

    First Place:
    Codebusters, Fast Facts, Green Generation, Solar System

    Second Place:
    Experimental Design, Road Scholar, Sounds of Music

    Third Place:
    Anatomy & Physiology, Disease Detectives, Dynamic Planet, Forestry, Roller Coaster

    Fourth Place:
    Storm the Castle

    Fifth Place:
    Bio Process Lab, Bridge, Can't Judge a Powder, Meteorology, Rocks & Mineral, Wheeled Vehicle

    Sixth Place:
    Write It Do It
  • The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team attended the Statewide Science Olympiad competition and received third place overall
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    The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team attended the Statewide Science Olympiad competition and received third place overall
    The OCSA High School Science Olympiad Team attended the Statewide Science Olympiad competition held at CalTech in Pasadena and received third place overall, medaling in 16 of the 25 events. The team also received the following individual awards:

    First Place:
    Codebusters, Dynamic Planet, Solar System, Microbe Mission

    Second Place:
    Meteorology, Sounds of Music

    Third Place:
    Fast Facts, Road Scholar

    Fourth Place:
    Write It CAD It

    Fifth Place:
    Crave the Wave, Experimental Design, Write It Do It

    Sixth Place:
    Can't Judge a Powder, Crime Busters, Disease Detectives, Forestry, Store the Castle
  • The OCSA Robotics Team competed at the US Open Robotics Championship and ranked 35 among 160 teams from across the country
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    The OCSA Robotics Team competed at the US Open Robotics Championship and ranked 35 among 160 teams from across the country
    The OCSA Robotics Team competed at the US Open Robotics Championship in Iowa and ranked 35 among 160 teams from across the country.
  • OCSA was named a finalist in the second annual Building Hope IMPACT Awards in the Model Charter category
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    OCSA was named a finalist in the second annual Building Hope IMPACT Awards in the Model Charter category
    Orange County School of the Arts was named a finalist in the second annual Building Hope IMPACT Awards in the Model Charter category. The finalists were selected for having exceptional impact on community engagement, educational innovation, student empowerment, and for being model charter schools.
  • OCSA’s Model United Nations Club attended the Trabuco Hills High School Model United Nations Conference and earned multiple awards
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    OCSA’s Model United Nations Club attended the Trabuco Hills High School Model United Nations Conference and earned multiple awards
    OCSA’s Model United Nations Club attended the Trabuco Hills High School Model United Nations Conference, where delegates representing different countries participated in rigorous debate, practiced public speaking and communication skills, and wrote detailed resolution papers addressing important international topics, such as Digital Infrastructure in South East Asia and Ending Terrorist Recruitment. Students received the following awards.

    Sophie Kim (ACT, ‘26): Commendation Award, Third Place, and Research Award
    Kaiden Orozco (AE, ‘26): Best Delegate Award and First Place
    Grace Shin (VA, ‘24): Outstanding Delegate Award and Second Place
    Sophie Sukendro (IM, ‘26): Research Award
    Kaylie Viloria (PD, ‘25): Best Delegate Award, First Place, and Research Award
    Lavinia Watkins (CV, ‘26): Commendation Award and Third Place
  • Bobby Amamizu and RJ Higton were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
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    Bobby Amamizu and RJ Higton were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
    Bobby Amamizu (CMD, ‘06) and RJ Higton (MT, ‘18) were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime.
  • OCSA students performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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    OCSA students performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
    Isabella Abiera (ACT, ‘28), Johnisa Almariya Breault (MT, ‘18), Arielle Dettmer (CMD, ‘20), and Adrienne Amanda Morrow (MT, ‘25) performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
  • Devin Weaver was cast in a recurring role on “9-1-1: Lone Star” on FOX
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    Devin Weaver was cast in a recurring role on “9-1-1: Lone Star” on FOX
    Devin Weaver (ACT, ‘26) was cast in a recurring role on “9-1-1: Lone Star” on FOX.
  • Lauren Mei was honored as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar
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    Lauren Mei was honored as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar
    Lauren Mei (ACT, ‘23) was honored as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar. She was nominated for this recognition by the National YoungArts Foundation following her YoungArts award in the Theater category in 2022. The U.S. Presidential Scholars award is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service. The award is presented on behalf of the President of the United States and honors up to 161 graduating seniors of high potential each year.
  • Pedro Pascal was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair”
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    Pedro Pascal was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair”
    Pedro Pascal (MT, ‘93) was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair.”
  • Stephanie J. Block will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky
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    Stephanie J. Block will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky
    Stephanie J. Block (MT, ‘90) will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky that will be held in October 2023 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts.
  • Jordan Held, Caleb Malis, and Noah Granados created the short film, “Ovaryacting” which has been selected for eight film festivals and won seven awards
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    Jordan Held, Caleb Malis, and Noah Granados created the short film, “Ovaryacting” which has been selected for eight film festivals and won seven awards
    Jordan Held (FTV, ‘23), Caleb Malis (IA, ‘23), and Noah Granados (ACT, ‘23) created the short film, “Ovaryacting.” Jordan wrote, directed, produced, and acted in the film. Caleb and Noah also acted in the film. "Ovaryacting" has been selected for eight film festivals and won seven awards, including Best Writer at the SCREEN High School Film Festival, Best Writer and Best Performance for an Actor (Caleb Malis) at WESTFLIX Film Festival, and the Silver Remi Award for Student Film Production at Worldfest: Houston’s International Film Festival. In addition, "Ovaryacting" was a semifinalist at the New Optics Film Festival and an award winner at IndieFEST Film Awards. The film was also selected by the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and 1 World Student Film Festival to be screened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Please watch here https://youtu.be/LSeyML0J_do
  • Dylin Rodrigo made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King”
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    Dylin Rodrigo made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King”
    Dylin Rodrigo (MT, ‘28) made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King.” The iconic show is celebrating its 25th year on Broadway.
  • Ava Villacorta performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022
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    Ava Villacorta performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022
    Ava Villacorta (MT, ‘27) performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022.
  • OCSA students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation
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    OCSA students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation
    The following students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation, one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development, beginning with the critical moment when they decide to pursue a life in the arts and continuing throughout their careers. Their mission is to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom.

    Finalists:

    Classical Music
    Hannah Cho (IM, ‘25) – Oboe
    Amy Jong (IM, ‘24) – Violoncello

    Dance
    Edward Chen (IA, ‘24) – Hip-Hop

    Design Art
    Caroline Kim (VA, ‘25)

    Voice
    Joan Park (PM, ‘23) – Popular

    Writing
    Ashley Park (CW, ‘23) – Spoken Word

    Honorable Mentions:

    Film
    David Du (FTV, ‘24) – Documentary
    Amelie Muro (FTV, ‘22) – Experimental

    Voice
    Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23) – Popular
    Ava Ulloa (PM, ‘22) – Popular
    Jocelyn Wang (PM, ‘23) – Singer-Songwriting

    Writing
    Olivia Le (CW, ‘25) – Spoken Word
  • OCSA students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation
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    OCSA students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation
    The following students were recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation, one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development, beginning with the critical moment when they decide to pursue a life in the arts and continuing throughout their careers. Their mission is to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom.

    Merit:

    Classical Music
    Caleb Empig (IM, ‘23) – Piano
    Heather Kim (IM, ‘24) – Flute

    Jazz
    Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24) – Piano

    Theater
    Mehra Marzbani (ACT, ‘23) – Spoken Word

    Visual Arts
    Cheungwan Wang (VA, ‘23)

    Voice
    Maraia Mariselli (PM) – Singer-Songwriter
    Ava Ulloa (PM, ‘22) – Jazz

    Writing
    Katerina Malabarba (CW, ‘24) – Novel
  • Yaphet Chen formed his own Vex IQ robotics team with other incoming OCSA 7th graders and received multiple awards
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    Yaphet Chen formed his own Vex IQ robotics team with other incoming OCSA 7th graders and received multiple awards
    Yaphet Chen (ACT, ‘28) formed his own Vex IQ robotics team with other incoming OCSA seventh graders and received first place at regionals, third place for teamwork at states, second place for skills at states, and was promoted to the world championship for the event of Vex IQ 2022-2023 Slapshot.
  • Orange County School of the Arts awarded the Exemplary School designation by the Arts Schools Network
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    Orange County School of the Arts awarded the Exemplary School designation by the Arts Schools Network
    Orange County School of the Arts was awarded the Exemplary School designation by the Arts Schools Network (ASN). This five-year designation is awarded in recognition of a commitment to excellence based on a strategic evaluation that dives into the school’s purpose, operations, and educational programs. ASN will acknowledge OCSA’s achievement at its annual conference and awards ceremony this October in Birmingham, Alabama.
  • OCSA's Mock Trial team was recognized by former Mayor of Santa Ana and current OC Supervisor
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    OCSA's Mock Trial team was recognized by former Mayor of Santa Ana and current OC Supervisor
    OCSA's award-winning Mock Trial team was recognized for their successes this school year by former Mayor of Santa Ana and current OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento.
  • West Mulholland was cast as Hunter Drake in “A Great Divide,” which stars Ken Jeong
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    West Mulholland was cast as Hunter Drake in “A Great Divide,” which stars Ken Jeong
    West Mulholland (ACT, ‘23) was cast as Hunter Drake in “A Great Divide,” which stars Ken Jeong. The film explores the wave of anti-Asian racism and seeks to create empathy and hope.
  • Pedro Pascal was featured in People Magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America in 2023."
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    Pedro Pascal was featured in People Magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America in 2023."
    Pedro Pascal (MT, ‘93) was featured in People Magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America in 2023” as number 47 for “owning his moment.” The article focused on a mix of summer fun, natural beauty, inspiring moments, and opportunities for celebration. Pedro was also nominated for the following three 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “The Last of Us,” Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting “Saturday Night Live,” and Outstanding Narrator for “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World.”
  • Stephanie Dorian Smith, Assistant Director of The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory, was recognized as a 2023-2024 Individual Artist Fellow and awarded an Established Artist Fellowship
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    Stephanie Dorian Smith, Assistant Director of The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory, was recognized as a 2023-2024 Individual Artist Fellow and awarded an Established Artist Fellowship
    Stephanie Dorian Smith, Assistant Director of The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory, was recognized as a 2023-2024 Individual Artist Fellow and awarded an Established Artist Fellowship from the California Arts Council through Arts Orange County (ArtsOC). This program was developed to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the excellence of California artists and culture bearers. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3RvNF6H
  • Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was voted the Best Charter School in Orange County for 2023 in the 21st Annual Reader’s Choice Award from Parenting OC Magazine
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    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was voted the Best Charter School in Orange County for 2023 in the 21st Annual Reader’s Choice Award from Parenting OC Magazine
    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was voted the Best Charter School in Orange County for 2023 in the 21st Annual Reader’s Choice Award from Parenting OC Magazine. To view all of the Reader’s Choice Awards, please visit: https://bit.ly/3GBmORe
  • William Chung won Third Place in the Junior Boy’s Team tournament of the 15th Annual All United States Kendo Federation National Championships
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    William Chung won Third Place in the Junior Boy’s Team tournament of the 15th Annual All United States Kendo Federation National Championships
    William Chung (PD, ‘26) won Third Place in the Junior Boy’s Team tournament of the 15th Annual All United States Kendo Federation National Championships at Oakland University in Michigan. Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords as well as protective armor.
  • OCSA students represented OCSA at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at the University of San Diego
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    OCSA students represented OCSA at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at the University of San Diego
    The following students represented OCSA at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at the University of San Diego. This event is a three-day leadership development program that empowers attendees to make positive changes in their communities.

    Skylar Christensen (MT, ‘25)
    Natalie Hoffman (CW, ‘25)
    Ella West Jerrier (FTV, ‘25)
    Sky Keyoung (CV, ‘25)
    Caitlin Kim (ACT, ‘25)
    Isabella Kim (ACT, ‘25)
    Abriella Nicolalde (MT, ‘25)
  • OCSA was named one of the Best U.S. High Schools for 2023-2024 by US News & World Report
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    OCSA was named one of the Best U.S. High Schools for 2023-2024 by US News & World Report
    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was named one of the Best U.S. High Schools for 2023-2024 by US News & World Report. OCSA was ranked #38 in California and #264 in the nation. For full rankings, please visit: https://bit.ly/2SMHqQZ
  • Nicole Morris was featured on Spectrum News 1 for her involvement as an ensemble cast member in the “Les Misérables” Southern California tour
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    Nicole Morris was featured on Spectrum News 1 for her involvement as an ensemble cast member in the “Les Misérables” Southern California tour
    Nicole Morris (MT, ‘16) was featured on Spectrum News 1 for her involvement as an ensemble cast member in the “Les Misérables” Southern California tour, which performed at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts this past year. In her interview, she spoke about her early love for the theatre, friendships she has made on tour, and her other stage experiences. To watch/read more, please visit: https://bit.ly/47Msns6
  • Acting instructor and past director of OCSA Thespians Donald Amerson and Acting instructor and current director of OCSA Thespians Vanessa Cortez, and several OCSA students, attended the International Thespian Festival
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    Acting instructor and past director of OCSA Thespians Donald Amerson and Acting instructor and current director of OCSA Thespians Vanessa Cortez, and several OCSA students, attended the International Thespian Festival
    Acting instructor and past director of OCSA Thespians Donald Amerson and Acting instructor and current director of OCSA Thespians Vanessa Cortez, along with Tessa Espinola (ACT, ‘25), Mia Geise (MT, ‘24), Atalia Lewis (MT, ‘24), Maggie Moland (ACT, ‘24), attended the International Thespian Festival (ITF) at the University of Indiana in Bloomington. ITF is a week-long showcase where young thespians can take workshops and show off their skills. At the festival, Atalia won an award for Solo Musical and Maggie won an award for Solo Acting.
  • OCSA students were named semifinalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program
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    OCSA students were named semifinalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program
    The following students were named semifinalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic scholarship competition, where students can receive recognition and university scholarships. Semifinalists are recognized for their academic and extracurricular achievements, putting these students in a pool of less than 1% of high schoolers in the nation.

    Edward Chen (IA, ‘24)
    Katherine Given (ACT, ‘24)
    Joseph Ho (IM, ‘24)
    Tane Kim (IM, ‘24)
    Katerina Malabarba (CW, ‘24)
    Elise Park (FTV, ‘24)
    Aadya Sharma (IM, ‘24)
    Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24)
    Luke Toner (IM, ‘24)
    Jeffrey Yang (CV, ‘24)
    Lacole Yang (CW, ‘24)
    James Yi (CW, ‘24)
    Xinchun Zhang (IM, ‘24)

    For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/41cHgkX
  • Alisa Melendez was cast as the lead of Sophie in the “Mamma Mia!” San Diego Tour
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    Alisa Melendez was cast as the lead of Sophie in the “Mamma Mia!” San Diego Tour
    Alisa Melendez (MT, ‘16) was cast as the lead of Sophie in the “Mamma Mia!” San Diego Tour. She was also featured in San Diego Magazine in an article that highlights her journey as a stage performer and her passion for her hometown of San Diego. To read the San Diego Magazine article, please visit: https://bit.ly/3TdKPFz
  • Miley Jane Gavarrete was cast in the Broadway On Tour Youth Theater’s production of “Les Misérables”
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    Miley Jane Gavarrete was cast in the Broadway On Tour Youth Theater’s production of “Les Misérables”
    Miley Jane Gavarrete (MT, ‘26) was cast in the Broadway On Tour Youth Theater’s production of “Les Misérables” in July 2023 at the Ebell Theater of Santa Ana.
  • Science instructor and Science Olympiad coach Heather Jonson was invited by NASA to attend the launch of their Psyche mission at the Kennedy Space Center
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    Science instructor and Science Olympiad coach Heather Jonson was invited by NASA to attend the launch of their Psyche mission at the Kennedy Space Center
    Science instructor and Science Olympiad coach Heather Jonson was invited by NASA to attend the launch of their Psyche mission at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The goal of the Psyche mission is to send a spacecraft to a unique metal asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.
  • Science instructors and Science Olympiad coaches Jessica Daniel and Heather Jonson were featured alongside their Science Olympiad students in a promotional television spot sponsored by L’Oreal Paris
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    Science instructors and Science Olympiad coaches Jessica Daniel and Heather Jonson were featured alongside their Science Olympiad students in a promotional television spot sponsored by L’Oreal Paris
    Science instructors and Science Olympiad coaches Jessica Daniel and Heather Jonson were featured alongside their Science Olympiad students in a promotional television spot sponsored by L’Oreal Paris, which premiered during “LEGO Masters” on FOX. The video spotlights women in STEM. To watch, please visit: https://bit.ly/3sYs9zc
  • Alexa Wildish performed on season 24 of “The Voice” and all the coaches turned toward her as she sang a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”
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    Alexa Wildish performed on season 24 of “The Voice” and all the coaches turned toward her as she sang a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”
    Alexa Wildish (MT, ‘06) performed on season 24 of “The Voice” and all the coaches turned toward her as she sang a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.” Alexa was chosen to be on Niall Horan’s team and made it to the Playoff episode.
  • West Mulholland was cast in the role of Mitch Crenshaw in MGM and David Slade’s Halloween horror film “Dark Harvest”
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    West Mulholland was cast in the role of Mitch Crenshaw in MGM and David Slade’s Halloween horror film “Dark Harvest”
    West Mulholland (ACT, ‘23) was cast in the role of Mitch Crenshaw in MGM and David Slade’s Halloween horror film “Dark Harvest.” This movie takes place in a midwestern town in the 1960’s, where teenagers must ensure a good harvest by spending every Halloween hunting down a mythical creature. The movie premiered in select theatres and is now available on streaming services.
  • Maggie Moland was cast as Regan MacNeil in John Pielmeier’s new stage adaptation of the novel “The Exorcist”
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    Maggie Moland was cast as Regan MacNeil in John Pielmeier’s new stage adaptation of the novel “The Exorcist”
    Maggie Moland (ACT, ‘24) was cast as Regan MacNeil in John Pielmeier’s new stage adaptation of the novel “The Exorcist,” performed at Golden West College Theater.
  • Social Studies instructor and Model United Nations club advisor Lana Sawalha was named an Outstanding Educator by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
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    Social Studies instructor and Model United Nations club advisor Lana Sawalha was named an Outstanding Educator by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
    Social Studies instructor and Model United Nations club advisor Lana Sawalha was named an Outstanding Educator by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Ms. Sawalha received this honor due to her excellent educational leadership skills and her efforts to enter multiple OCSA student projects in the 2023 National Discovery Award Competition, which gives students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to use their creative talents to tell the remarkable stories of unsung heroes who have inspired change.
  • Ryley Gamez played scare-actor Catawampus this fall at Knott’s Scary Farm and was featured in the Origins: Curse of Calico Maze
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    Ryley Gamez played scare-actor Catawampus this fall at Knott’s Scary Farm and was featured in the Origins: Curse of Calico Maze
    Ryley Gamez (PD, ‘24) played scare-actor Catawampus this fall at Knott’s Scary Farm and was featured in the Origins: Curse of Calico Maze. The costume, weighing twenty pounds, required six-inch platform shoes and a five-pound head.
  • Juliet Garbacz moved to London, England to attend The Upper School at the Royal Ballet
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    Juliet Garbacz moved to London, England to attend The Upper School at the Royal Ballet
    Juliet Garbacz (MT) moved to London, England to attend The Upper School at the Royal Ballet. This school, accredited by the University of Roehampton, allows students ages 16-19 to train in classical ballet and eventually earn a BA in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance. Around 100 students representing 17 different countries attend each school year.
  • Janice Lee starred in a Hershey Company commercial featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat for the Halloween season
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    Janice Lee starred in a Hershey Company commercial featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat for the Halloween season
    Janice Lee (ACT, ‘29) starred in a Hershey Company commercial featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat for the Halloween season. The commercial originally aired in 2022 and was later renewed for 2023. To watch the commercial, please visit: https://bit.ly/472e0it
  • OCSA students performed in the children’s choir that was featured in the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
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    OCSA students performed in the children’s choir that was featured in the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
    The following students performed in the children’s choir that was featured in the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” presented by McCoy Rigby Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

    Cameron Avery (ACT, ‘27)
    Jasmine Melwani (IA, ‘25)
    Adrienne Morrow (MT, ‘25)
    Angelina Pendleton-Mendez (PM, ‘27)
    Sydney Sublette (CV, ‘26)
    Erin Tardibuono (MT, ‘25)
    Ava Villacorta (MT, ‘27)
    Emma Woodward (CV, ‘27)
  • Adrienne Morrow was cast as Louisa in “The Sound of Music” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center
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    Adrienne Morrow was cast as Louisa in “The Sound of Music” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center
    Adrienne Morrow (MT, ‘25) was cast as Louisa in “The Sound of Music” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, presented by Musical Theatre West.
  • Jovie Leigh Ugerio received the Best Young Actress Award at the 3rd Annual iHollywood Film Festival for her role in the independent feature film “Free Lunch”
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    Jovie Leigh Ugerio received the Best Young Actress Award at the 3rd Annual iHollywood Film Festival for her role in the independent feature film “Free Lunch”
    Jovie Leigh Ugerio (ACT, ‘27) received the Best Young Actress Award at the 3rd Annual iHollywood Film Festival for her role in the independent feature film “Free Lunch.” Jovie performed the role of Sadie, the mischievous new transfer that influences the main character, Sam, to step outside of his comfort zone.
  • Max Zazik was cast as Turkey Boy in South Coast Repertory’s “A Christmas Carol” in Costa Mesa
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    Max Zazik was cast as Turkey Boy in South Coast Repertory’s “A Christmas Carol” in Costa Mesa
    Max Zazik (ACT, ‘29) was cast as Turkey Boy in South Coast Repertory’s “A Christmas Carol” in Costa Mesa.
  • Richard Arlo Kinsey, an instructor in the El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory who is also an illustrator, recently had the characters he created and fondly named “Purdee & Pals” adapted into a short animated film called “Baby Bee’s Boots"
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    Richard Arlo Kinsey, an instructor in the El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory who is also an illustrator, recently had the characters he created and fondly named “Purdee & Pals” adapted into a short animated film called “Baby Bee’s Boots"
    Richard Arlo Kinsey, an instructor in the El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory who is also an illustrator, recently had the characters he created and fondly named “Purdee & Pals” adapted into a short animated film called “Baby Bee’s Boots," produced by Eden Films LTD in London. In addition, the film won Best Animation Short at the London Independent Film Awards.
  • Noelani Pese was named Miss California Jr. Teen 2023-2024 and was the first person of Samoan heritage crowned in the pageant’s history
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    Noelani Pese was named Miss California Jr. Teen 2023-2024 and was the first person of Samoan heritage crowned in the pageant’s history
    Noelani Pese (MT, ‘26) was named Miss California Jr. Teen 2023-2024 and was the first person of Samoan heritage crowned in the pageant’s history.
  • Logan Bailey voiced the role of Pandy Paws in Dreamworks’ animated series “Gabby’s Dollhouse”
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    Logan Bailey voiced the role of Pandy Paws in Dreamworks’ animated series “Gabby’s Dollhouse”
    Logan Bailey (MT, ‘29) voiced the role of Pandy Paws in Dreamworks’ animated series “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” Logan became the new voice of the character starting in season 8 of the Netflix series.
  • Ballet, Pilates, & Yoga instructor Lauren Farris was accepted into the American Ballet Theater (ABT)’s invite-only Teaching Training Intensive at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
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    Ballet, Pilates, & Yoga instructor Lauren Farris was accepted into the American Ballet Theater (ABT)’s invite-only Teaching Training Intensive at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
    Ballet, Pilates, & Yoga instructor Lauren Farris was accepted into the American Ballet Theater (ABT)’s invite-only Teaching Training Intensive at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In the program, Ms. Farris will learn the theory and principles of the National Training Curriculum within the five levels of ballet.
  • Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was featured on KCAL News’ Class Act series
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    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was featured on KCAL News’ Class Act series
    Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) was featured on KCAL News’ Class Act series. The morning news segment featured what makes OCSA so special – specifically highlighting the Acting, Ballet Folklórico, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Integrated Arts, and Popular Music Conservatories, in addition to showing off OCSA’s talented student artists. To view the video, please visit: https://bit.ly/3NhTd37
  • Gracie Silberman starred in a Volkswagen Atlas commercial, titled “Carpool Chaos”
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    Gracie Silberman starred in a Volkswagen Atlas commercial, titled “Carpool Chaos”
    Gracie Silberman (ACT, ‘24) starred in a Volkswagen Atlas commercial, titled “Carpool Chaos,” that began airing during the summer. To watch the advertisement, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Nih6aR
  • Chiara Cecconi was cast as Girl About Town in “A Christmas Carol” at the South Coast Repertory Theater
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    Chiara Cecconi was cast as Girl About Town in “A Christmas Carol” at the South Coast Repertory Theater
    Chiara Cecconi (PD, ‘28) was cast as Girl About Town in “A Christmas Carol” at the South Coast Repertory Theater.
  • Members of the OCSA Robotics Team were invited to compete at the One World Showcase Event at University of California, Berkeley
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    Members of the OCSA Robotics Team were invited to compete at the One World Showcase Event at University of California, Berkeley
    Members of the OCSA Robotics Team were invited to compete at the One World Showcase Event at University of California, Berkeley. Five teams from OCSA competed against 115 other teams from around the country. One of the five teams, Z Squared, was composed of Olivia Lee (VA, ‘25), Sunny Li (IM, ‘24), and Samantha Park (IA, ‘25), making them one of the less than 5% of teams that were made of all female members. Z Squared placed 7th out of 115 in only their second year of robotics. Below is the full list of the OCSA students who participated in the One World Showcase Event.

    Shining Chen (CW, ‘26)
    Sumin Cho (IM, ‘25)
    Evan Choe (VA, ‘25)
    Rhea Dayal (VA, ‘28)
    Juneau Foxlin (IM, ‘26)
    Justin Hong (IM, ‘25)
    Peyton Hsu (AE, ‘27)
    Jason Lee (IM, ‘27)
    Olivia Lee (VA, ‘25)
    Sunny Li (IM, ‘24)
    Edward Luna (IM, ‘24)
    Danny O’Grady (IM, ‘24)
    Samantha Park (IA, ‘25)
    Taven Rong (IM, ‘28)
    Paul Seo (DM, ‘26)
    Kaya Simsek (CAH, ‘26)
    Kara Syn (IM, ‘24)
    George Weichel (PD, ‘27)
    Ryan Yoo (CAH, ‘25)
    Beatrice Yu (PM, ‘28)
    Jojo Yu (CMD, ‘25)