State of the Art

Diane Park (VA, ‘26) received a Ryman Arts Scholarship to the Otis College of Art and Design for their Summer of Art program. The Summer of Art immersion program is designed to help students develop artistic skills and explore specific art and design pathways.

Liam Kyle (ACT, ‘27) was cast in the second season of “The Santa Clauses” on Disney+ as Gary, a grizzled old elf in charge of the E.L.F.S. (Effective Liberating Flight Squad). Liam has also appeared in the football comedy “Home Team'' on Netflix, “The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder” on Paramount+, and “Best Foot Forward'' on Apple TV. He has been a voiceover actor in various other films as well.

Sarah Ullerich (ACT, ‘26) performed as Prince Edward in the Hyperactive Studio production of William Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” The play was performed at the Madnani Theatre in Los Angeles.

Jonathan Byram, an instructor in the Vocal Arts Conservatory, was cast as the role of Jesus in the movie musical “47 Days.” The movie will be released on Easter in 2024.

Julian Chagoya (PD, ‘26) secured the position of Junior Stage Manager with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). Julian has been a student at PCM since infancy as a part of their Young Musicians Program for Piano, Trumpet, and Composition.

Gibson Alfieri (BCD, ‘25) performed as one of the dancers in “The Nutcracker” with the Pasadena Dance Theater at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.

Dylan Escobedo (VOC, ‘25) was featured in the film “Last Summer of Nathan Lee” as the role of Wedding Singer. He also sang “Caro Mio Ben,” which plays over the ending credits at the end of the film.

Innes Arroyo (MT, ‘25) was a nominee in the mxmtoon Music Video Custom Category at the All American High School Film Festival for her video “Plastic Pony.”

Maisie L. Skinner (ACT, ‘24) and Cassandra Tittle (ACT, ‘24) were nominated for Best Comedy and Best of the Festival at the Children’s International Film Festival of Wales for their short film “The Case of the Missing Aebleskivers.” Cassandra directed the film while Maisie wrote and starred in it. The film placed in the top three at the festival. In addition, Maisie was awarded Best Actress (Young Adult 16-18) for her role as Inga Jasonson in the film.

Violet Zeug (ACT, ‘24) wrote, directed, and starred in the original short film “In Your Head.” The film also features Jasmine Linares (ACT, ‘25) and Amarie Rodriguez (ACT, ‘25). The film was a finalist in the Independent Short Awards and a semi-finalist in the IndieX Film Fest and Indie Short Fest in Los Angeles. It focuses on the inner thoughts and feelings of a teenager in her final year of high school.

Faith Dowdle (MT, ‘24) was accepted into and attended the 46th Annual Pepperdine Youth Citizenship Seminar (YCS). YCS is a five-day youth program designed to stir new interest and greater passion and understanding for this country.

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) was ranked by Niche as the #1 Charter High School in California and the #4 Best High School for the Arts in the nation. To view all of CSArts-SGV’s incredible rankings, please visit: https://bit.ly/3sX11k5

Dani Enriquez-Valentin (MT, ‘26) and Delaney Polito (MT, ‘26) performed in the musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Chino Community Children’s Theatre.

A’lasia Simone Jones (ACT, ‘19) was cast in the short film “Project CC,” which is about a child scientist. The film is currently streaming on Disney+ in the second season of “Launchpad,” a collection of shorts films

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) was awarded a full 6-year accreditation, the highest level of accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). CSArts-SGV’s teachers, administration, staff, parents, and students have worked hard over the last five years in preparation for this accreditation process, and their incredible efforts were recognized.

Ella Youngstrom (MT, ‘24) was cast as Ariel in Broadway Experience’s “The Little Mermaid,” in addition to playing Anna in Riverside Community College’s production of “Frozen.”

Zaire Franklin (IM, ‘25), also known as Zaire King, released a jazz album titled “The Expressionist.” Zaire also had the privilege of performing alongside professional jazz musicians at the Temecula Wine & Music Festival.

Namika Conness (VA, ‘24) and Riley Arce-Riolo (MT, ‘24) won a Featured Artists spot on the KCRW's Young Creators Project for their indie rock band, Forsythia. Out of hundreds of song submissions, only five artists/bands were chosen. Their original song, "Pretty Lungs", and in-person interview will be featured on KCRW’s socials, KCRW.com, KCRW newsletters, and on-air on KCRW.

CSArts-SGV students were featured at this year's 2023 State of the City & Schools event at Duarte High School Stadium. Students from the Integrated Arts Conservatory performed "Don't Stop Believin'" with Integrated Arts Director Joey Ancona and FUSION performed a Carole King medley. In addition, Cordelia Rachbach (IM, ‘27) performed The Star Spangled Banner. To view the performances, please visit https://youtu.be/2s0-ariHobY.

The following students were recognized as National & State Award winners by the Sixth Annual National Community Service Award for their community service and for inspiring other students to get involved in their community. The National Community Service Awards connect students’ service activity and impact to the United Nations’ Global Goals. This year, students were also recognized for working toward a world of zero hunger and zero waste.
Honor Awardees:
Nicolette Ajamian (IA, ‘23), Kaylah Albarran (VOC, ‘24), Justus Alfaro (IM, ‘23), Monze Aquino (IA, ‘25), Kirsten Brown (VA, ‘25),
Sophia Brunet (CW, ‘23), Isabella Chang (IA, ‘23), Nickie Chanthavisith (PD, ‘23), Audrey Cheng (IA, ‘23), Mikayla Chiu (PD, ‘25)
Cheska Dizon (IA, ‘24), Toni Gastelum (CMD, ‘24), , Linhly (Vy) Hong (CW, ‘25), Abigail Huang (VA, ‘25) , Katie Hwang (CMD, ‘23)
Laura Jaime (IA, ‘23), Sorin Jayaweera (IM, ‘23), Jewels Joyal (IM, ‘23), Sadie Kellman (CW, ‘24), Ivy Kim (VA, ‘25), Sophia Ko (VA, ‘23)
Aleen Kojikian (PD, ‘24), Isabella Loera (IA, ‘25), Evan MacIntosh (PD, ‘23), Martina Mackinlay (PD, ‘25), Phoebe Mak (VA, ‘24)
Abigail Miller (VOC, ‘24), Tara Kay Moran (MT, ‘23), Macey O'Kelley (VA, ‘24), Maya Proulx (IM, ‘25), James Rietz (CW, ‘24)
Ruby Robinson (CW, ‘24), Delaney Rosado (VA, ‘23), Juliette Salerno (MT, ‘24), Kylie Sanders (CMD, ‘23), Charlotte Stratford (BCD, ‘24)
Juliet Tachera (IA, ‘24), Sophia Teyolia (MT, ‘25), Claire Thompson (PD, ‘23), Maya Wurtemberg (CW, ‘23), Ella Youngstrom (MT, ‘24)
Sevana Zadoian (CW, ‘23), Lauren Zavala (IA, ‘25), Suri Zhang (CW, ‘25)

The following students were recognized as National & State Award winners by the Sixth Annual National Community Service Award for their community service and for inspiring other students to get involved in their community. The National Community Service Awards connect students’ service activity and impact to the United Nations’ Global Goals. This year, students were also recognized for working toward a world of zero hunger and zero waste.

Ambassador Awardees:
Sophia Paz Fogel (IM, ‘24)
Jaden Grubb (IA, ‘24)
Pallas Kim (IM, ‘24)
Lauren Kong (IA, ‘24)
Kaelin Lee (ACT, ‘25)
Rachel O'Kelley (VA, ‘24)
Kaitlyn Yniguez (PD, ‘23)
Jolene Young (BCD, ‘24)

Zero Hero Awardees:
Jaden Grubb (IA, ‘24)
Isabella Loera (IA, ‘25)
Ruby Robinson (CW, ‘24)
Juliette Salerno (MT, ‘24)

The following students were recognized by the YoungArts Program’s National Competition for performing, visual, and literary artists. YoungArts is 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:
Voice
Saachi Chennur (MT, ‘23) – Popular
Merit:
Voice
Lena Embry (VA, ‘24) – Singer-Songwriter, Aidan Luke (VA, ‘23) – Singer-Songwriter

Keilani Akina Bolhuis (IM, ‘24) performed Angela Morley's “Rêverie” at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The following students were recognized as National & State Award winners by the 6th Annual National Community Service Award for their community service and for inspiring other students to get involved in their community. The National Community Service Awards connect students’ service activity and impact to the United Nations’ Global Goals. This year, students were also recognized for working toward a world of zero hunger and zero waste.
Merit Awardees:
Maleyna Alcisto (IM, ‘24), Izzy Arce-De La Vega (VOC, ‘23), Zoe Batrez (MT, ‘25), Brennan ChangHo (CW, ‘25), Samantha Chiang (IM, ‘25)
Sarah Clark (IM, ‘23), Kenadie Daniels (BCD, ‘25), Grace Dominguez (MT, ‘25), Adriana Gonzalez (ACT, ‘23), Sofia Gutierrez (BCM, ‘23)
Abby Hudnall (CMD, ‘24), Madison Kim (VOC, ‘24), Audrey Krok (VA, ‘23), Han Lam (VA, ‘24), Luke Mercado (IM, ‘23),
Leela Narayan (CW, ‘24),Aryhanna Pham (CW, ‘25), Conell Powers (IA, ‘24), Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24), Abigail Risdon (CW, ‘25),
Cris Salgado (IA, ‘23),Maya Schultz (BCD, ‘23), Caitlin Smith (PD, ‘23), Stephanie Sun (BCD, ‘23), Sophia Thompson (VOC, ‘24),
Kiara Verspohl (IA, ‘24), Ian Williams (PD, ‘24), Jessie Zhang (BCD, ‘25), Julian Zuniga (PD, ‘23)

Trace Macias (MT, ‘24) was chosen to attend the 46th Annual Charles B. Runnels’ Youth Citizenship Seminar (YCS) at Pepperdine University. YCS is a five-day program designed to stir new interest and even greater passion and understanding for this country.

Delaney Polito (IA, ‘26) competed at the That’s Entertainment Performing Arts Competition, Musical Theatre Competitions of America (MTCA), and Turn It Around Tour (TIA). She received first place overall and third overall for her vocal solos, third overall and seventh overall for her tap solo, ninth overall for her monologue, and placed overall for all of her group routines.

Corey Near-Ansari (PD, ‘22) received the Lewis & Clark College Pike/Reynolds Theater Scholarship, recognizing student excellence in the areas of design and technical theater. As a freshman, Corey was selected as stage manager for a fall one-act production and the spring mainstage production of "The Imaginary Invalid".

The following students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center’s 34th Annual Spotlight Program. Spotlight is a nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens that awards more than $100,000 in cash scholarships annually. Semifinalists have the opportunity to attend a special master class in their discipline with highly regarded artists who share their expertise on performance technique, training, and professional life.

Semifinalists:
Acting
Mae Ryness (MT, ‘24)
Classical Voice
Felicity Robles (VOC, ‘24)
Jazz Instrumental
Keilani Akina Bolhuis (IM, ‘24)

Merit Awards:
Classical Instrumental
Lucie Kim (IM, ‘24)
Classical Voice
Sophia Thompson (VOC, ‘24)
Dance
Ryan Edge (CMD, ‘23)

Lena Chataignoux (MT, ‘28), Evie Linchangco (MT, ‘28), and Violet Zuker-Brunzell (MT, ‘28) were cast and performed in “The Lion King Jr.” at Broadway Experience in Upland.

Trace Marius (MT, ‘24) and Ella Youngstrom (MT, ‘24) were cast in and performed the roles of Kira and Sonny respectively in “Xanadu” at Broadway Experience in Upland.

CSArts-SGV Thespian Troupe participated for the third year in the California State Thespian Festival, a prestigious event showcasing superior high school theatre across the state to recognize and support excellence in theatre education. Students received the following awards.
Solo Monologue
Second Place: Sam Morelos (ACT, ‘23)
Solo Musical
Second Place: Apple Owens (MT, ‘24)
Superior Ranking: Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24)
Duet Acting
Superior Ranking: Sam Morelos (ACT, ‘23) and Amrutha Ravi (ACT, ‘23)
Judges’ Choice Award for Thespians Got Talent
Sam Morelos (ACT, ‘23)
Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24) was selected to perform in the closing ceremony performance.

CSArts-SGV Thespian Troupe participated for the third year in the California State Thespian Festival, a prestigious event showcasing superior high school theatre across the state to recognize and support excellence in theatre education.

Thespian Festival Participants
Zoë Bien (ACT, ‘24)
Roxanna Cue (ACT, ‘24)
Ev Cullen (MT, ‘25)
Analeah Dekowski (ACT, ‘24)
Trace Macias (MT, ‘24)
Olivia Mangahis (MT, ‘25)
Sam Morelos (ACT, ‘23)
Apple Owens (MT, ‘24)
Jessica Pantaleon (ACT, ‘24)
Alana Porras (IA, ‘24)
Ivy Porter (ACT, ‘24)
Amrutha Ravi (ACT, ‘23)
Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24)
Lauren Zavala (IA, ‘25)
Violet Zeug (ACT, ‘24)

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) 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.

Zamantha Woodruff (IA, ‘24) received the Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County Scholarship for Class of 2024.

Frances Pearl Farnam (IA, ‘26) was featured in a segment by NBC News for having converted a 1976 Porsche 914 into an electric vehicle and for her participation in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. To view the segment, please visit https://bit.ly/3WsS7Fg

Tiffany Fink (IA, ‘27) joined the casting call for the 90th anniversary Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach in January 2023. Her family’s story is featured in the Stu News Laguna arts column published on January 17, 2023, please read here. https://bit.ly/3BSvCjw

Claire Thompson (PD, ‘23) received the BigFuture® Scholarship from CollegeBoard for completing steps on her dashboard to plan for college, pay for college, and explore careers.

Staff member Gerald Lishka published a new book, “The Art of Ballet Accompaniment, A Comprehensive Guide,” published by Indiana University Press. The book was featured in Pointe Magazine's “Add These 8 Dance Books to Your Holiday Wish List” article.

Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Gold Key Regional-at-Large awards. Gold Key recipients were judged at the national level.
Rohit Lakshman (CW, ‘23): Writing Portfolio, “For Thine Consideration”
Anika Park (PD, ‘23): Fashion, “The Attachment”; Mixed Media, “Tight”
Alvin Wang (VA, ‘23): Mixed Media, “Emptying”; Photography, “Leave Me”

Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Silver Key Regional-at-Large awards.
Ivy Kim (VA, ‘25): Mixed Media, “The Hidden Bookstore”
Rohit Lakshman (CW, ‘23): Personal Essay & Memoir, “Defeating Dharma”
Anika Park (VA, ‘26): Fashion, “The Folded Dress”
Alvin Wang (VA, ‘23): Drawing & Illustration, “Affluenza”, “Born to be Human”, “where’s home?”, “why am i tired?”

Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Honorable Mention Regional-at-Large awards.
Kay Flores (VA, ‘23): Mixed Media, “Dialing”,” Need a Friend?”, “The Web”
Diana Park (VA, ‘26): Editorial Cartoon, “Perceiving the recent world through my window”; Digital Art, “To be younger in Neverland”; Drawing & Illustration, “Wild life”

Rebekah Casillas (BCD, ‘21) was selected to participate in LA Fashion Week.

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) for the second year in a row.

"The following students received the National Hispanic Recognition Award from College Board in acknowledgement of their academic achievements and outstanding performances on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP Exams.
Jaidyn Bustamante (CW, ‘24)
Jewels Joyal (IM, ‘23)
Alyssa Lopez (CW, ‘23)
Holland Martinez (IM, ‘23)"

Violet Zeug’s (ACT, ‘24) short film, titled “Trapped,” was named a semifinalist in the student category of the Burbank International Film Festival.

The Vocal Arts Conservatory, as well as accompanists from the Instrumental Music Conservatory, were selected to perform in the 63rd Annual LA County Holiday Celebration live at The Music Center, which will also air on PBS. Members of the Vocal Arts Ensemble are set to perform two holiday songs, led by Choral Director, Kirk Averitt, and accompanied by the Jazz Ambassador Combo from the Instrumental Music Conservatory’s Winds and Jazz Program. The students will be featured as one of 22 performance groups selected from applicants from all over Los Angeles County.

Ashley Allen, an instructor in the School of Dance, has earned her master’s degree in fine arts from UCLA’s School of World Arts and Cultures/Dance.

"The following students were recognized as 2023 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation for their artistic achievements. YoungArts award winners at all levels receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000. All YoungArts Finalists are also invited to participate in National YoungArts Week where they collaborate with peers and develop their crafts with internationally recognized leaders in their fields.

Finalists:
Saachi Chennur (MT, ‘23) – Voice (Popular (Pop))

Merit:
Lena Embry (VOC, ‘24) – Voice (Singer-Songwriter)
Aidan Luke (VOC, ‘23) – Voice (Singer-Songwriter)"

"The following students performed in the Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Sophia Fogel (IM, ‘24)
Lio Itaya (IM, ‘26)
Luke Mercado (IM, ‘23)
Christine Shin (MT, ‘24)"

CSArts-SGV’s Yearbook class received the All-American Award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPS) for the 2022 edition of the Stargazer yearbook. The yearbook received a score of 486 out of 500 possible points and five Marks of Distinction, earning it this top achievement.

Macey O’Kelley (VA, ‘24) and Rachel O’Kelley (VA, ‘24) produced a documentary, titled “O’Kelley Legends 2e Behind the Scenes,” which has played at 20 film festivals in the past year and has been selected to screen at the London Lift-Off Film Festival.

Aeryn Green (MT, ‘24) received the gold medal for vocal performance in the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) Holiday Festival.

Miley Jane Gavarrete (IA, ‘26) was cast in the role of Elmer in Seventh Street Theatre’s adaptation of Disney’s “Newsies.”

Lauren Kong (IA, ‘24) was chosen as a Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s Royal Court Princess and will have the honor of riding on the Sierra Madre Rose Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. She will be speaking and volunteering at numerous community organizations throughout the coming year.

Alex Ok’s (CW, ‘24) paintings were published in the publication “Celebrating Art," which publishes only 45% of submissions on average.

"The following students performed in a production of ""Matilda: The Musical"" with Centre Stage Studios.
Tessa Barkley (IA, ‘23)
Sara FitzRandolph (IA, ‘25)
Nicole Galavan (MT, ‘23)
Haley Nelson (PD, ‘24)
Alana Porras (IA, ‘24)
Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24)
Clara Silver (BCD, ‘24)
Mila Tambaoan (VA, ‘27)
Christina Tovar (IA, ‘25)
Michael Tovar (PD, ‘23)
Dani Valentin (IA, ‘26)"

Frances Pearl Farnam (IA, ‘26) attended the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and was featured in an article by Forbes magazine about her journey to convert a 1976 Porsche 914 into an electric vehicle. Please view here bit.ly/3FbvAEB

Keilani Bolhuis (IM, ‘24) received a gold medal from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and was invited to participate at the RCM National Celebration of Excellence Recital at Carnegie Hall. A national gold medal is awarded to the student who has earned the highest mark on their RCM practical examination for their discipline and level across the country.

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley received the 2021 Exceptional Charter School in Special Education Award from the National Association of Special Education Teachers, which is the highest level of recognition a charter school can achieve through the organization. This honor is presented to charter schools that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education.

Brayden Maniago (ACT, ‘21) was cast in the role of Somsack Sinthasomphone in the Netflix original series “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”