Students spotlight SAVAPA arts academy and new Girl Up chapter; Mamma Mia performances set for March

Trustees heard a showcase of student work from Southwest High School’s SAVAPA (Visual and Performing Arts Academy) and reports from student clubs on March 11.

SAVAPA presenters — ASB leaders, component presidents and instructors — described how dance, theater, music, animation and visual arts programs collaborate across disciplines. Student leaders said SAVAPA offers performance opportunities, industry workshops and community partnerships that the students view as both creative and academic supports. Student speakers invited trustees and community members to attend the academy’s musical production Mamma Mia, with performances referenced for March 28–30 (multiple announcements during the presentation gave March 28–30 and March 30 as performance dates; the presenters encouraged board members to contact school staff for VIP tickets).

Student quotes and highlights - “This academy is full of creativity and talent,” said Alyssa Bullock, SAVAPA vice president, describing components including dance, theater, animation, art and music and how cross-component collaboration motivates students academically and socially. - Student artists described contests, partnerships with local businesses and portfolio-building activities; dance and music students noted scheduled trips and workshops.

Student club report — Girl Up Isabella Aguirre, a Southwest student, reported on a newly formed Girl Up chapter at Southwest High School that launched in September 2024. Aguirre said the club meets about once or twice a month and focuses on leadership development and gender equity. Recent activities included guest speaker events, a voter registration drive, virtual panels with Harvard College Girl Up members, participation in the Soroptimist conference and a “period palooza” event that packaged 10–12 reusable/sustainable menstrual pads per pouch for distribution to a downtown women’s center supporting people affected by Southern California fires.

Why it matters: Trustees praised student achievement across athletics, arts and clubs, and several trustees highlighted how district schools came together for “High School Madness” competitions. Board members invited students and staff to district events, and some trustees said they planned to attend SAVAPA performances.

Logistics and community outreach: SAVAPA presenters asked the board to accept VIP invitations to performances, and student leaders noted the academy’s collaboration with the district’s culinary arts program for gala events. Club leaders said they have collaborated with community groups, registered voters at a mall outreach event and been covered by local press.

Ending: Trustees thanked students and staff for the presentations and encouraged continued community engagement. The board and the district superintendent acknowledged the students’ invitations to the production and other upcoming events.