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On Jan. 7, 2025, raging fires started in Southern California. The ashes from the Pacific Palisades, Eaton and even Hurst Fires reached every school in the valley by Jan. 8, resulting in LAUSD choosing to shut down schools for the rest of the week. Everyone in Southern California quickly united and Van Nuys High School followed suit.
The Performing Arts Magnet got together to sing, dance and rise at the Donna Hubbard Auditorium on Feb. 1, 2025. Dance Company, Ms. Reesa Zagnoli’s Advanced Dance class, Musical Theater, Cheer and Orchestra all came together to put on a fundraising show, “We Sing, We Dance, We Rise,” for those affected by the fires.
To attend the show all that was needed was a minimum $10 donation. All the money raised went directly to the families affected by the Eaton Fire.
Van Nuys Dance Company shared three dance numbers for the audience. One of which was a solo performance by Junior Armando Pacheco. His piece was impressive as ever, but he still felt deeply grateful for the opportunity provided. Pacheco describes his time on stage for the cause.
“It felt great being able to spread hope and positivity while doing what I love,” said Pacheco. “It brings me so much joy knowing that we can host events like this and makes me see that there’s still hope left within this community.”
Lighting Pacheco’s piece, along with the whole show, was Senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis. She designed the lighting and managed the entire show, accompanied by her Tech Crew of course. Balikyan-Davis talks about the unity watching such a beautiful show come together.
“I loved being able to work with all the different programs and see how everyone came together in a time of need,” said Balikyan-Davis. “The show was beautifully done and I am glad to be a part of something so amazing.”
The audience was positively satisfied while watching the show. An audience member and Van Nuys student was Junior Connor Ruckman. He not only enjoyed watching his friends come together to help such a great cause, but he heard a telling tale from a woman sitting next to him.
“The woman sitting next to me lost her home, she talked to me about her families’ struggles of what it’s been like and how she was able to get through it,” said Ruckman. “After the show, she was crying and I think that says something. That show made her day or maybe even her month.”
The “We Sing, We Dance, We Rise,” show clearly made a difference and raised $2,000. Not only was a community brought together, but now all those families affected have a little more to get by until they get on their feet.
