MONTEBELLO – More than six hundred Montebello Unified students – from transitional kindergarten to high school – joined together May 21 to celebrate the arts and showcase their artistic talents in front of an audience of parents, fellow students, community members and District officials.

“I am so proud of the vision and foresight our District leadership continues to have in launching this festival, allowing our students and families to experience something special,” MUSD Board Member Lani Cupchoy, Ph.D. said. “By enhancing our students’ access to creative expression, social interaction, and opportunities that stretch their young minds, we are investing in their success now and in the future. Thank you all for being a part of this mission.”

The inaugural Visual and Performing Arts Festival, held in the Schurr High School, featured about 350 students in more than 30 performances of dance and musical renditions in the auditorium. The multipurpose room displayed nearly 350 original works of art – including paintings, photographs, sculptures, film presentations, among other media – from more than 300 students across the District.

“Whether it’s through performances, painting, photography or other media, art has its place in education – providing students an avenue to express themselves, build self-confidence and to learn about history and culture,” MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “On behalf of Montebello Unified, I want to thank our administrators, teachers and staff for their efforts in coordinating this first annual festival.”

The event’s program included words from Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith, Montebello Unified Board Vice President Lani Cupchoy, Ph.D., Schurr High School Principal Francisco Arregui, and Director of Pupil and Community Services Dan Garcia. The program’s keynote address came from award-winning actor Tony Plana. Schurr High Assistant Principal Dr. Phillip Nolasco served as master of ceremonies

“Thank you to the Division of Pupil and Community Services and the entire Schurr High leadership for helping us coordinate this inaugural event,” Garcia said. “This festival will no doubt be the start of a long-standing MUSD tradition.”

Attendees had the opportunity to vote on their favorite works of art in selected categories. Winning entries will be displayed at the Los Angeles County Fair this September.

Photo Captions:

MUSDVAPA1: More than six hundred Montebello Unified students – from transitional kindergarten to high school – joined together May 21 to celebrate the arts and showcase their artistic talents in front of an audience of parents, fellow students, community members and District officials.

MUSDVAPA2: More than six hundred Montebello Unified students performed at the Inaugural Visual and Performing Arts festival. The event’s program included words from, left to right, Schurr High School Principal Francisco Arregui, Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith, award-winning actor Tony Plana and Montebello Unified Board Vice President Lani Cupchoy, Ph.D.