The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror
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The student website of Van Nuys High School
Van Nuys, California
The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror
The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror
Melissa Ocegueda

Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer

Melissa Ocegueda, a junior, is a new staff writer for the Arts and Entertainment section. Her hobbies range from doing her own nails to baking. She is passionate about theater, specifically technical theater in light design. Ocegueda’s obsession is the musical “Hamilton,” probably her favorite musical ever. She dreams to study in New York, hoping to one day be a writer and maybe even a director. It’s quite a contradiction for her as she doesn’t like to read but hopes to be a great writer. Her favorite movie is “Marriage Story” because she loves how the story depicts a simple separation turned to a warring divorce because of society. One of Ocegueda’s favorite songs is “Wildflower” by Billie Ellish. She wishes she could donate to DACA and The Trevor Project.

All content by Melissa Ocegueda
Streaming brings musicals home but can't replace live theater

Streaming brings musicals home but can’t replace live theater

Audience interaction creates memorable theater moments
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Mar 20, 2025
Burn up the dance floor. Sophomores Leo Gragnani, Malia Thomas and Lyla Polse pose for their electric jazz number to Ariana Grande's "bye" at the VNHS auditorium for the "Elements of Motion" showcase.

VNHS Dance Company captivates with “Elements of Motion”

Diverse dance styles entrance audiences at Van Nuys High
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Mar 2, 2025
CALLING THE SHOTS Senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis has worked for four years to earn the top spot for each show, Production Stage Manager. Balikyan-Davis focuses on helping other crew members, organizing the cast and most importantly calling the show during performances.

Van Nuys High’s theater department transitions to new leadership

From run crew to leader: Balikyan-Davis's journey in tech theater
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Feb 27, 2025
With light manipulation like no other by senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis, the dance company is highlighted in blue to showcase their dance moves.

Performing Arts magnet joins B.S.U. for Black history celebration

Performances feature dance, choir, and jazz music
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Feb 14, 2025
Students perform to aid fire-struck families

Students perform to aid fire-struck families

Southern California fires spark community support
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Feb 5, 2025
Journey’s end in lovers meeting

Journey’s end in lovers meeting

Cast finds inspiration in original Shirley Jackson novel
By Addison Cudd and Melissa Ocegueda
Jan 15, 2025
Memorable speeches and historic wins characterize the 2025 Golden Globes

Memorable speeches and historic wins characterize the 2025 Golden Globes

Nikkie Glaser's jokes light up the Golden Globes
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Jan 9, 2025
Can movie-musicals capture the magic of live performances?

Can movie-musicals capture the magic of live performances?

The unique charm of live theater and its irreplaceable moments
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Dec 24, 2024
Junior Summer Chu, accompanied by Dance Company work together to perform the entrance of the White Witch

Narnia’s adventure unfolds through Van Nuys High School dance company performance

Students bring C.S. Lewis's classic to life on the Hubbard stage
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Dec 11, 2024
Grande and Erivo's chemistry enhances emotional depth of characters

Wicked defies gravity and expectations with record-breaking box office success

Real sets, minimal CGI create an immersive Land of Oz experience
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Dec 5, 2024
Lin-Manuel Miranda reimagines 'Warriors' with a powerful concept album

Lin-Manuel Miranda reimagines ‘Warriors’ with a powerful concept album

'Warriors' explores themes of loyalty, power, and resilience
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Nov 22, 2024
"Mamma Mia!" dance auditions challenge Van Nuys students

“Mamma Mia!” dance auditions challenge Van Nuys students

Students showcase dance skills for coveted musical roles
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Nov 21, 2024
All three choir periods combine to sing the show's finale song, "Ad Astra," a latin choral piece. The song gives a message of hope and moving forwards, with its title meaning "to the stars."

Choir students shine in “Falling Through the Genres” show

New choir director faces challenges with determination
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Nov 18, 2024
POSING HER WAY TO THE TOP | Vice President Kamala Harris connects to young voters with a Gen-Z approach to campaigning for president.

Kamala Harris: A Femininomenon

Kamala Harris embraces Gen-Z humor in the 2024 presidential campaign.
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Nov 5, 2024
A new generation of Romeo + Juliet: Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler

A new generation of Romeo + Juliet: Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler

In this fresh adaptation, Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler capture the classic romance with a contemporary edge.
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Nov 4, 2024
Keeping it ‘Short N’ Sweet’: Sabrina Carpenter’s tour

Keeping it ‘Short N’ Sweet’: Sabrina Carpenter’s tour

A recap of what Sabrina Carpenter’s new tour looks like; outfits, songs and dances.
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Oct 9, 2024
(From L to R) Senior April Cho and Junior Dilan Patton work together to perform a scene for theatre director Mr. Justin Baldridge.

Eerie echoes: Following the callbacks of “The Haunting of Hill House”

Callbacks for “The Haunting of Hill House” are over and the cast has something to say!
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Sep 3, 2024
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