State of the Art

Maya Proulx (VOC, ‘25) was nominated in the Voice category for the YoungArts 2025 US Presidential Scholar in the Arts award, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify artistic and academic excellence. A total of 60 candidates were nominated across 22 states and 10 artistic disciplines. Maya was also named a semifinalist for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

For the fourth year in a row, California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) has earned College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to both AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). The award acknowledged 1,153 schools for their work toward improving female representation in computer science during the 2023-2024 school year. CSArts-SGV was one of only 69 schools to achieve the accomplishment for both AP computer science courses.

Marc Leclerc, Middle School Coordinator for Maxwell IB Academy, earned the certification of Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). An SAFD Certified Teacher is endorsed to teach stage combat, in addition to the SAFD Skills Proficiency test and renewals in eight different weapon styles.

Trinity Chen (FMA, ‘30) performed a K-Pop dance routine with her dance studio during the NFL’s Miami Dolphins vs. LA Rams pregame show at SoFi Stadium.

Donna “Flint” Mavros (MT, ‘27) was cast as Scrooge in “Scrooge: The Musical” with the Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County. The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was performed at the El Dorado Performing Arts Center.

Kirsten Brown (VA, ‘25) attended the 2024 U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar program in Annapolis, Maryland. During the six-day program, high school students live in Bancroft Hall, the Academy’s iconic dormitory, and take classes in a variety of subjects, including engineering, navigation, and leadership.

Kaylee Yu (VA, ‘25) was recognized as a United States Figure Skating (USFS) Gold Medalist for passing the highest-level Skating Skills test. Kaylee also won the 2024 Betty Sonnhalter Memorial Grant from the Southern California Interclub Association of Figure Skating Clubs. The award is given to skaters who are well-rounded in skating, academics, and volunteering.

Caitlyn Tittle (FMA, ‘30) performed the lead role in a Dhar Mann Studios short film, titled “8-Year Old Beats Genius in Math Contest.” Caitlyn was cast as Sarah, a genius girl who gets picked on. The video has amassed 5.7 million views and counting. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/3ORP1aV

Maya Proulx (VOC, ‘25) was accepted into the National Jazz Honor Choir and will perform at the American Choral Directors Conference in Dallas, Texas in 2025.

Powell Woodard (PD, ‘27) is a member of the Civil War Reenactment Society, the 69th New York State Volunteers for the Union Army. He participated at a Civil War living history event where a mock battle was performed in an apple orchard.

Violet Zuker-Brunzell (ACT, ‘28) was cast as Hedda Fuller Eyre in Broadway Experience’s fall show, “Murder at the Malt Shop.”

Julien Fiore (IM, ‘29), Joel Soto (IM, ‘27), and their band, Maddison Falls, released two new songs and have won several Battle of the Band contests. Their single, “Both Sides,” is an alternative rock song that speaks to the parallels of light and dark. Their music can be found on all streaming platforms.

Gibson Alfieri (BCD, ‘25) was cast in the Pasadena Dance Theatre’s production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” performed at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The show featured The High Notes of the Pasadena Chorale, the US National Men’s Four Acrobatic Gymnastic Team, and much more.

Natalie Park (VOC, ‘26) won First Place in the Vocal category at the National Finals at Talent America, the nation’s longest-running talent competition.

Citlaly Reyes (PM, ‘25), under her stage name Aly Rey, released her first song, “Under My Skin.” The pop track focuses on a past relationship and letting go. “Under My Skin” can be found on all streaming services.

Elijah Tshing (IM, ‘28) was awarded First Place for the Southern California Expert, Solo Division Cello category in the International Association of Professional Music Teachers’ (IAPMT) Autumn Grand Concours. As a result, Elijah has been invited to perform at the IAPMT Winners’ Concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in 2025.

Oona Cassell (MT, ‘29), along with fellow members of the Sue B. Dance Company, provided a spirited tap dance demonstration at the Alkebulan Cultural Center as part of ArtNight Pasadena. Dances included two selections from Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite” and a special acapella duet. Oona also made an appearance at ArtNight events in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

Collin Silber (IA, ‘25) and Ace Tseng (IM, ‘25) have been advocates for the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), raising money to spread awareness and to help combat teen abuse in the community. Together they hosted a podcast called “Hidden in Plain Sight” that interviewed those that have been abused, exploited, and neglected by the TTI, as well as a few parents that fell prey to this industry.

Brooklyn Marin (IA, ‘29) and her band, The Cherry Blossoms, released their first song “Little Monsters Hunt” – a fun family-friendly Halloween-themed song that can be heard on all streaming platforms. Brooklyn is the lead singer and also plays multiple instruments in the band.
Watch their music video here: https://bit.ly/3ZDHr8R

Christina Harris, Acting Conservatory Instructor, founded and serves as Artistic Director of a new nonprofit theatre company, Sonder Theatre Company. Their inaugural production was of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Covina Theatre.

Adam Uriarte (VOC, ‘26) performed with the LA Opera’s audition-only summer camp as Figaro in “Figaro’s American Adventure,” in the Stern Grand Hall at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Sofia Waldo (VA, ‘28) was cast in “The Nutcracker” with Claylee’s Dance Academy in Whittier. Sofia danced the roles of the Big Mouse and Chinese Doll.

Sylar Segovia (VA, ‘29) was one of the winners in the Friends of the Monrovia Library Bookmark Contest for creating a one-of-a-kind bookmark and was recognized in a ceremony featuring the mayor of Monrovia. Sylar also won Second Place in a Red Ribbon Week competition for her original song composition, for which she received a certificate and prize.

Dylan Beam (MT, ‘29) performed with award-winning country artist Walker Hayes at the 27th Annual Family Film and TV Awards. Dylan performed and recorded Hayes’ song “if father time had a daughter.”

Ryan Dietz, Musical Theatre Conservatory Instructor, was cast as Avram in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and performed alongside Jason Alexander. 50 students from CSArts-SGV and OCSA were invited to attend the final dress rehearsal prior to its sold-out run.

Eduard Yegiazaryan, Math Teacher, was selected as the winner of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Extra Yard for Teachers initiative for his tremendous impact on students and teachers at CSArts-SGV. He was presented with the award at the Indiana vs. UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl.

Daphne Puccinelli (MT, ‘24) had the honor of performing the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium in April before the Dodgers went up against the Washington Nationals.

The California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley yearbook placed in the top 1% of Varsity Yearbooks’ Portfolio series, which finds the “best of the best” yearbooks nationwide. The ranking is determined based on all aspects of design, theme development, and copywriting out of the over 7,000 schools represented by Varsity.

Amber Ahn (VA, ‘27) was presented the City of Arcadia Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation for her excellence in Visual Arts. Amber won the grand prize in the Creative World Art Center 2024 Juried Student Art Show for her acrylic painting “In the Eye of the Storm".

Matt Rivas (MT, ‘25) and Tiffany Zhen (VA, ‘25) performed as dancers in the music video for the song “Fragile” by Alejandro Aranda – runner-up in the 17th season of “American Idol.”

Benjamin Vasquez (IA, ‘29) was chosen for the City of Covina’s Rec & Read program. As part of the program, he created artwork that was displayed on a vehicle for the city, met with City Council members, and appeared on the program’s social media platforms.

Erica Gonzalez (MT, ‘29) performed live at the 2024 Academy Awards Ceremony on ABC. She sang and danced alongside singer Becky G for her song “The Fire Inside” from the movie “Flamin' Hot,” which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Music (Original Song).

Kimberley Hagan (Special Education Teacher) was selected by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as one of the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award. The award is given to teachers who have demonstrated truly exceptional achievement in the field of special education.

Desmond Masterton (IA, ‘25) completed one year of American Sign Language instruction at the Greater Los Angeles Agency of Deafness (GLAD). The main goal of GLAD is to protect civil rights, and ensure equal access for the deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf disabled communities.

Henry Klotz (CW, ‘27) wrote an original song, titled “Who I Am,” and filmed a corresponding music video. Under his stage name HAK, Henry entered his song into the KCRW Young Creators Project 2024. Watch the “Who I Am” music video here: https://bit.ly/3VutfxU

Caylee Rubio (IM, ‘26) was accepted into the 2024 UCLA Summer Global Jazz Intensive through the Herb Alpert School of Music. With two week-long sessions in July and August, “Global Jazz: Ongoing Conversations” will bring together performers from throughout the world to comprise the nation’s first global jazz studies summer workshop. Students will participate in master classes, lessons, composition workshops, and performances.

Teigan Ang-Horowitz (MT, ‘27), Daniella Enrique-Valentin (MT, ‘26), Delaney Polito (MT, ‘26), and Devin Riskin (MT, ‘26) were cast in Inland Valley Repertory Theatre’s production of “13: The Musical”. Teigan plays the role of Evan, Daniella as Charlotte, Delaney as Cassie, and Deven in the Ensemble. “13: the Musical” follows twelve-year-old Evan Goldman as he navigates his parents’ divorce, his upcoming bar mitzvah, and the adjustment of moving from New York City to Indiana.

Kamen Farquhar (VA, ‘25) was a featured illustrator on Free Comic Book Day 2024 at Comics Factory in Pasadena. The event fell on “May the 4th,” so Kamen was able to draw Star Wars-themed artwork for attendees. Bruce Smith, the creator of Disney’s “The Proud Family”, made an appearance at Free Comic Book Day to support Kamen and see him in action.

Veronica Maccari (Conservatory Instructor and Thespian Director) wrote, produced, and starred in her independent series “IMPOSTER,” which garnered incredible success in the film festival circuit. “IMPOSTER” has screened at two prestigious Oscar-qualifying film festivals: HollyShorts (world premiere) and Cleveland International Film Festival. The series has collected a total of 24 international film festival selections so far, 28 nominations, and 14 awards. These awards include Best Dramedy Series at the oldest and largest WebFest in the world, LA WebFest, and Best Web Series at HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival.

Minji Cho (CW, ‘24) and Liam Kyle (ACT, ‘27) qualified in both the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions held in Omaha, Nebraska and the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Championship.

Jonathan Byram (Vocal Arts Conservatory Instructor) sang in the Netflix animated feature, “Thelma the Unicorn,” which was released in May. Mr. Byram also has singing credits for the music departments of films such as “Jurassic World”, “Hocus Pocus 2”, and many others.

Lauren Kong (IA, ‘24) was named a Dual Recipient of Biola University’s Stewart Science Honors Program & Scholarship and Torrey Honors. The Stewart Science Honors is dedicated to creating opportunities for four-year research, internships, and interdisciplinary programs for science and technology.

Juliet Hubbard (MT, ‘27) and Kenley Schlichter (MT, ‘27) finished a successful run as Hodel and Chava in “Fiddler on the Roof” and performed for sold-out crowds at Portico’s Art Space in Pasadena.

Dyllan Skye Edge (VA, ‘25) was accepted into the Maine College of Art & Design’s Pre-College Summer Program. Dyllan’s main study focus is printmaking and animation. The program is a three-week experience designed to help attendees discover what life would be like for them as an undergraduate student at Maine College of Art & Design. Attendees are also given the opportunity to build up their admissions portfolio, develop language for artistic critiques, earn college credits, make friends with peers from around the country, and work alongside fantastic professional artists and designers.

The CSArts-SGV Thespian Troupe and Veronica Maccari (Thespian Director and Conservatory Instructor) attended the California Thespian Festival in April. At the festival, students attended a variety of workshops such as juggling, musical theatre numbers, and social media for performing artists. Isabella Loera (IA, ‘25), Sam Rily (IA, ‘24), and Lauren Zavala (IA, ‘25) competed in the Thespies for acting solo and musical theatre solo. Sam and Lauren received a “Superior” score level in most of their categories for their musical theatre and acting performances and placed among the top Thespians at the festival. The whole troupe competed in the Lip Sync Battle with a Pitch Perfect-inspired number they devised themselves. More amazing mainstage performances and talkbacks followed, with a notable Disney-produced medley and Q&A with Disney’s “Wish” star and disabled actors’ advocate Jennifer Kumiyama. Listed below is the full roster of Thespian Troupe members:

Ev Cullen (MT, ‘25)
Colin Gasparre (IA, ‘24)
Isabella Loera (IA, ‘25)
Ella Loest (MT, ‘27)
Alana Porras (IA, ‘24)
Ivy Porter (ACT, ‘24)
Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24)
Juliet Tachera (IA, ‘24)
Lauren Zavala (IA, ‘25)

Dominic Anaya-Gulaya (CW, ‘25), Zarriah McClendon (VA, ‘22), and Jaylin Tillman (VA, ‘27) performed at the 22nd Annual City of Duarte Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January 2024. This event featured the Duarte City Council, Duarte Unified School District Board of Education, and youth and community members coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with special guest speakers, performances, and a spotlight on the 2024 MLK Essay Contest Winners.

Zaire Franklin (IM, ‘25), Jaxon-Miles Jackson (IM, ‘24), and Lucas Vocelka (IM, ‘24) were selected to perform at the City of West Covina’s 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January 2024.

The CSArts-SGV Wellness Center Team, including school administrators, psychologists, counselors, teachers, and students, was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the El Dorado Charter Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Wellness Summit to share about the successful launch of the CSArts-SGV Wellness Center, the impact it has had on our campus, and the ways it has allowed us to proactively support the mental health concerns of our school and students. CSArts-SGV was highlighted as one of the leaders at the summit for utilizing mental health resources in creative ways to ensure that our students' needs are met. Watch the video spotlighting the Wellness Center here: https://bit.ly/4c4du6j

The Music Center announced their 2024 Spotlight Winners, as well as the semifinalists and honorable mentions. Spotlight is a nationally recognized competition, scholarship, and artistic development program. Below are the CSArts-SGV students who received semifinalist and honorable mention recognition:

Jailen Bates (IA, ‘24) - Semifinalist, Acting
Lena Embry (PM, ‘24) - Honorable Mention, Non-Classical Voice
Mae Ryness (MT, ‘24) - Semifinalist, Acting
Alvin Wang (VA, ‘24) - Semifinalist, Classical Instrument

Allison Lee (BCD, ‘28) placed in the Top 12 in the Junior Contemporary category at the 2024 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) regional competition in Irvine. YAGP is the world’s largest student ballet audition, reaching over 15,000 dance students annually. Alongside the auditions, opportunities such as workshops and master classes are offered in 32 different U.S. cities and 15 international locations worldwide.

Hannah Pung (BCD, ‘24) earned a Gold Award for her work in the Girl Scouts of America. She achieved this most prestigious award in the organization through community service, displaying leadership within her troop, and/or completing a project with high remarks.

Alvin Wang (VA, ‘24) was selected to be a part of the roster for the 2024 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) as a violinist. Each summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) brings together the brightest young players from across the country to form the NYO-USA, which is a free program for all participants. Following a comprehensive audition process and a multi-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians, these remarkable teenagers embark on a tour to some of the great music capitals of the world to serve as dynamic music ambassadors.

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) earned the College Board’s 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). The award acknowledges schools for their work toward equal gender representation during the 2022-2023 school year. CSArts-SGV was one of only 834 schools to be recognized for achieving this important result in AP CSP. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3VdRfnP

Eight students in the Integrated Arts Conservatory competed in The Langston Hughes Project poetry contest at The Huntington, with all eight placing as finalists for their submissions. You can read their award-winning poems here: https://bit.ly/3xKbWzA

Monze Aquino (IA, ’25)
Penny Castro (IA, ’25)
Gigi Garcia (IA, ’25)
Shiloh Gonzalez (IA, ’25)
Jones Guevarra (IA, ’25)
Iris King (IA, ’25)
Talula Paulson (IA, ’25)
Penelope Pfister (IA, ’25)

Ronnie Geraci (IM, ‘24) earned the rank of Eagle Scout in October for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the BSA program awarded to those that exemplify leadership within their troop and unit. Ronnie also led a music program as an Eagle service project at Mt. Washington Elementary School.

Elias Valle (IM, ‘24) won the regional round of the prestigious Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Student Composition Competition and went on to be a national finalist.

Maralinda Irmakesen (ACT, ‘28) was one of 10 finalist in the WISH Let's Fly to Japan! live talent auditions. This event is similar to “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.” Maralinda performed Meghan Trainor's "Me Too" and was one of only three finalists under the age of 16. Those finalists are given the opportunity to travel to Japan and audition for various talent agencies there.

Olivia Lampel (CMD, ‘24) and Carlyn Yanagi (CMD, ‘24) participated in a music video for the song “Fallin” by international pop artist Mark Tuan, as part of Alexander Chung’s Dance Company Hila. Olivia and Carlyn gained valuable experience as they witnessed the production process for professional dancers and musicians. To watch the music video, please visit: https://bit.ly/3GwSjfm

Juliet Johnson, an instructor in the Visual Arts Conservatory, was invited to participate in the 2023 New York’s Art in Odd Places (AiOP) exhibition “DRESS.” Johnson presented their ongoing project “Styling Sick,” a multi-layered work that explores and expands on our relationship to the clothes we wear when we are ill, celebrating disabled aesthetics. AiOP is an annual festival that brings visual and performance art into unexpected public spaces as artists take over 14th Street in Manhattan.

Zack Stoff, Film Narrative and Documentary instructor in the Integrated Art Conservatory, worked as a Research Assistant to Oscar-winning actor Benicio Del Toro on the Netflix film “Reptile.” The movie was one of the most successful films on Netflix in 2023 and the most watched film by a first-time director, Grant Singer.