RRHS Celebrates the Opening of the Performing Arts Center with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
RRHS Celebrates the Opening of the Performing Arts Center with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
By Loree Johnson
Photo #1: Courtesy of RRHS Photography Club
Photo: from left to right-Chenille Eriksen, Giovana Maytorena, Sabrina Ceja, Mía Richardson, Alexa Lizarraga, Melody Quevedo, Czarina Lucero, Desirae Knapp, Ivanna Garcia, Isabella Cabrera, Jaquelean Ibarra, Mariel Enríquez Barboza
Caption of Photo: RRHS Hawx Dance Team
Photo #2: Courtesy of RRHS Photography Club
Photo: from left to right-Christopher Castillo, Casey Bostian, Miranda Solis, Mariajose Rojo, Atticus Birkett, Nikolas Kane
Caption of Photo: RRHS Thespians performing “Transylvania Mania”
On the evening of October 28th, students, staff, administration, board members, and parents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the PAC.
A beautiful structure that features state of the art equipment, the PAC will enhance the experience for both the performers and the audience.
RRHS Theater teacher Liana Carasco praised the multitude of features of the PAC from “the actual auditorium stage with upgraded LED lights and lighting console, sound console, and intercom” to the “actual dressing rooms” and “indoor and outdoor scenic workshops.”
She called the event “a grand success” and said it was “fun coordinating this event and performing in front of so many dignitaries.”
The night of the ceremony, as guests entered they were welcomed by Interact members, entertained with music from student band Groupo Rio, and served gourmet appetizers by Culinary Arts students.
The RRHS Photography Club, led by sponsor and Athletic Secretary Melanie Estrada, snapped pictures.
RRHS Principal Hector Estrada intentionally placed students at the forefront of the event.
Hawx dancer, junior Sabrina Ceja loved that it was “about the students.”
The show began with Interact students Angela Holman and Leah Gallo serving as the Masters of Ceremony for the event.
After speeches by Jennifer Weslkenies from ADM Group, Bryan Donavan of SD Crane, and Superintendent David Verdugo, the ribbon was cut and the performances began.
The Thespians entertained with “Transylvania Mania,” a number from the musical Young Frankenstein.
Victoria Guzman, light board operator for the Thespians, said that walking into the PAC is “like walking into a movie theater.”
Three Thespians who participated in the performance commented on the event and the impact of the PAC.
Casey Bostian said it was “inspiring to see people who love their craft” from Groupo Rio to the Hawx Dance Team.
Miren Miranda said, “The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is one I would describe as chaotic, but in the best way possible. It is a performance that will stay with me for the rest of my days.”
Atticus Birkett said that the PAC “invites creativity” and pushes performers to “grow” and “build character.”
The Hawx dance team dazzled with a dance routine choreographed by dance teacher Carlos Quihuiz.
Hawx dancer Alexa Lizarraga, was pleased not only to demonstrate her talent but that many other RRHS student talents were highlighted including “different aspects of art, food, drawing, painting, dancing, theater, and art.”
Hawx dancer Ivanna Garcia is glad to see RRHS students have “more opportunities to receive recognition.”
RRHS teachers and parents also expressed their admiration and appreciation for the PAC.
English teacher Sabine Bachner observed, “It was an incorporation of all of RRHS’s core values.”
On every level “excellence was portrayed” according to Bachner. “We had the culinary club create and serve the most delicious and sophisticated appetizers, art club students presented their outstanding work, a student band was playing, and members of dance and theatre were the first students to occupy the stage.”
World History Teacher, Yearbook Advisor, and parent Hallie Birkett stated that “all aspects of the evening were absolutely perfect.”
She said, “I am so grateful to our town for providing the beautiful Performing Arts Center and as a teacher I am so proud of this addition to our facility. Our students deserve this. Thank you!”
English teacher Shenecia Bell is glad that students will have the opportunity to "showcase their talents” and to recognize that their “hard work means something to us as a district and to the community at large.”
This exciting night was just the first of many future performances and events.
Bostian called the PAC a “beacon” at RRHS and is enthusiastic about “what is to come.”
Some of the events coming up will be the Spotlight on the Arts in December and a performance of Grease in the spring.