Welcome to State of the Art, where we celebrate all of the phenomenal accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to all, and don't forget to submit your accomplishments!

To submit a success story to be featured in State of the Art, please fill out the accomplishment submission form here.

To view additional accomplishments by conservatory, please visit this page.

  • Abril Rodriguez Diaz Starts Nonprofit "4 The Border"
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    Abril Rodriguez Diaz Starts Nonprofit "4 The Border"
    Abril Rodriguez Diaz (CW, '22) started a nonprofit organization, titled 4 the Border, that packages nutritious food for the homeless along the United States-Mexico border. Over Thanksgiving Break, the organization reached and fed more than 400 people.

    To read more about 4 the Border, please visit http://bit.ly/3s9sGZ0
  • Students Perform in Color of Sound Band
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    Students Perform in Color of Sound Band
    Adrienne Dunworth (IA, '22), Lauren Kimball (VA, '24), Adela Mellon (CV, '24), and Luke Witting (IA, ‘23), as members of the Color of Sound band, performed a three-hour pop and rock setlist outdoors for the public to support and promote small businesses in Southern Orange County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    To learn more about Color of Sound, please visit http://bit.ly/3k2gOVQ
  • Cassandra Hsiao Premieres New Play "Schrodinger High"
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    Cassandra Hsiao Premieres New Play "Schrodinger High"
    Cassandra Hsiao (CW, '17) premiered her new play, titled Schrodinger High, and a live Zoom talkback with cast and crew. The play is a unique cross-college and cross-country theatrical collaboration made possible by the Yale Dramat BIPOC Theatermakers grant and presented in partnership with the Claremont Colleges Green Room.
  • Nicole Berger Choreographs for NBC’s "Rutherford Falls"
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    Nicole Berger Choreographs for NBC’s "Rutherford Falls"
    Nicole Berger, Director of the Commercial Dance Conservatory, choreographed for NBC’s Rutherford Falls starring Ed Helms.
  • 2021 YoungArts Winners
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    2021 YoungArts Winners
    The following students were recognized as 2021 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation for their artistic achievements. YoungArts award winners at all levels receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000, and winners at the Finalist level are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week + in January, which features virtual classes, workshops, mentorship opportunities from leading artists in their fields, virtual performances, and an exhibition for the public.

    Finalists:
    Courtney Chiu (CCD, '23) – Dance (Modern/Contemporary)
    Michele Lu (PM, '21) – Voice (Popular Voice)
    Gianna Pedregon (IM, '21) – Jazz (Violin)

    Honorable Mentions:
    Maya Alvarez-Coyne (CMD, '21) – Dance (World Dance/Irish Step)
    Laura Anne Chen (CW, '21) – Writing (Novel)
    Michele Lu (PM, '21) – Voice (Singer-Songwriter)

    Merit:
    Laura Anne Chen (CW, '21) – Classical Music (Piano)
    Wyatt Layton (CW, '23) – Writing (Spoken Word)
    Brian Lin (IM, '21) – Classical Music (Saxophone)
    Lauren Mei (ACT, '23) – Theater
    Charlee Rubino (MT, '21) – Theater
    Jonathan Truong (CW, '21) – Writing (Short Story)
  • Estella Sky Keyoung Wins as NATS Competition
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    Estella Sky Keyoung Wins as NATS Competition
    Estella Sky Keyoung (IA, '25) received first place in the Youth Musical Theatre category in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Evaluation Program and Competition. She participated through the Los Angeles chapter, which received a record number of 247 submissions, and was selected to participate in a virtual recital.
  • Wilson Mizell Wins at Voices of Democracy Speech Contest
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    Wilson Mizell Wins at Voices of Democracy Speech Contest
    Wilson Mizell (MT, '22) won the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post-Level Voices of Democracy Speech Contest. He advanced to the district level, where he will compete for advancement to the state and national levels.
  • Amandine Kataoka Selected for Edward Brodsky Student Fellowship
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    Amandine Kataoka Selected for Edward Brodsky Student Fellowship
    Amandine Kataoka (PM, '23) was one of only 50 high school students across the country to attend a three-day session with the Anti-Defamation League through their first Edward Brodsky Student Fellowship. Amandine participated in the summit on anti-Semitism and hate.
  • Shirley Napoleone's Short Film Selected for 2020 Showcase
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    Shirley Napoleone's Short Film Selected for 2020 Showcase
    Shirley Napoleone's (CW, '19) short film was selected for Cornish College of the Arts Film Department's Fall 2020 Showcase.
  • Pedro Pascal Featured in LA Times Article
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    Pedro Pascal Featured in LA Times Article
    Pedro Pascal (MT, '93) was featured in a Los Angeles Times article about the top Latino media moments of 2020 and what to expect in 2021.

    To read the full article, please visit http://lat.ms/2ZwiXj1
  • Stacie Cruz and Terri Secrist Nominated for Charter School Teacher of the Year
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    Stacie Cruz and Terri Secrist Nominated for Charter School Teacher of the Year
    OCSA academic teachers Stacie Cruz and Terri Secrist were selected to represent OCSA in this year’s Charter School Teacher of the Year Program, in which one charter school nominee will be selected to advance to the Orange County Teachers of the Year Program for consideration as a county finalist.
  • OCSA Featured in BroadwayWorld Article
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    OCSA Featured in BroadwayWorld Article
    Orange County School of the Arts was featured in an article by BroadwayWorld for its many successful virtual productions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    To read the full article, please visit http://bit.ly/2NmSqCj
  • Michele Lu Announced 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
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    Michele Lu Announced 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
    Michele Lu (PM, '21) was nominated by the YoungArts Foundation to become a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, honoring artistic and academic excellence. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will ultimately choose 20 of the 60 nominees to be recognized for their academic and artistic accomplishments, leadership, community outreach, and overall creativity.
  • Nazaneen Colton and Isaac Sohn Compete in MTAC Branch Theme Festival
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    Nazaneen Colton and Isaac Sohn Compete in MTAC Branch Theme Festival
    Nazaneen Colton (ACT, '23) and Isaac Sohn (IM, '25) both competed in the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) Branch Theme Festival. Nazaneen received the gold medal in piano and Isaac earned first place in Division 7B and progressed to the Winners' Competition.

    Isaac also competed in the Great Composers Competition and received first prize in Age Group III of the Best Beethoven Performance category.
  • Gavin Lacanlale Performs in Music Video for Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture
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    Gavin Lacanlale Performs in Music Video for Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture
    Gavin Lacanlale (IM, '23) performed in a music video for the virtual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Gavin played guitar, as well as the indigenous gongs of the southern Philippines, with the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble.
    To see a recording of the festival, including the performance, please visit https://bit.ly/38QRGNx
  • Landon Wouters Recognized as Finalist in Monologue Competition
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    Landon Wouters Recognized as Finalist in Monologue Competition
    Landon Wouters (MT, '22) was recognized as a finalist in the Los Angeles Regional Center Theatre Group's August Wilson Monologue Competition.
  • OCSA Science Olympiad Division C Team Wins at Competition
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    OCSA Science Olympiad Division C Team Wins at Competition
    The OCSA Science Olympiad Division C (High School) Team competed against 70 teams from across the nation at both the Aggie Invitational, where they earned first place overall, and at the Yosemite Invitational, where they earned 10th place overall. The team also participated in the Miraloma Invitational. The students received the following awards:

    Aggie Invitational:

    1st Place
    Circuit Lab: Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24) and Joshua Qin (BR, '23)
    Codebusters: Anjal Jain (CV, '22), Joshua Qin (BR, '23), and Jeffrey Yang (CV, '24)
    Solar Power: Hannah Kang (VA, '22) and Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24)

    3rd Place
    Sounds of Music: Vivian Chen (IM, '23) and Erica Yang (IA, '21)
    Forensics: Anjal Jain (CV, '22) and Samantha Su (VA, '21)

    4th Place
    Dynamic Planet: Jeffrey Yang (CV, '24) and Jiin Yun (IM, '24)
    Machines: Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24) and Joshua Qin (BR, '23)

    5th Place
    Designer Genes: Grant Li (CW, '23) and Sara Shimabukuro (IM, '21)

    Other competitors included Sameer Bajaj (ACT, '24), Kacy Chung (VA, '23), Katherine Given (ACT, '24), Tane Kim (IM, '24), Amy Lee (IM, '23), and Allison Wong (CW, '23).

    Yosemite Invitational:

    2nd Place
    Helicopters: Sameer Bajaj (ACT, '24) and Vivian Chen (IM, '23)

    3rd Place
    Codebusters: Kacy Chung (VA, '23), Anjal Jain (CV, '22), and Em Wei-Ten (PM, '23)

    4th Place
    Circuit Lab: Joshua Qin (BR, '23) and Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24)
    Digital Structures: Sameer Bajaj (ACT, '24) and Anjal Jain (CV, '22)
    Disease Detectives: Samantha Su (VA, '21) and Allison Wong (CW, '23)
    Gravity Vehicle Design: Sameer Bajaj (ACT, '24) and Joshua Qin (BR, '23)

    5th Place
    Sounds of Music: Vivian Chen (IM, '23) and Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24)

    6th Place
    Experimental and Data Analysis: Samantha Su (VA, '21), Joshua Qin (BR, '23), and Kacy Chung (VA, '23)
    Designer Genes: Caleb Empig (IM, '23) and Kacy Chung (VA, '23)

    Other competitors included Sylvia Cheeseman (DM, '22), Lauren Chudner (VA, '23), Katherine Given (ACT, '24), Antara Kalle (CW, '23), Hannah Kang (VA, '22), Tane Kim (IM, '24), Amy Lee (IM, '23), Grant Li (CW, '23), Hyunjin Park (VA, '23), Haley Shimabukuro (IM, '24), Sara Shimabukuro (IM, '21), Isabelle Tran (VA, '22), Rachel Vu (IM, '24), Erica Yang (IA, '21), Jeffrey Yang (CV, '24), and Jiin Yun (IM, '24).

    Miraloma Invitational:

    1st Place
    Environmental Chemistry: Kacy Chung (VA, '23) and Amy Lee (IM, '23)

    4th Place
    Detector Building: Vivian Chen (IM, '23) and Nathan Tatsuta (IM, '24)
  • Students Perform in "Why We Sing" Video
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    Students Perform in "Why We Sing" Video
    Alexis Song (CV, '21), Max Song (CV, '23), Henry Chung (CV, '26), and James Yi (CW, '24), as a part of the California Children's Choir (CCC), made YouTube videos to share with Sunrise Senior Center and other virtual audiences. They created and virtually performed a song titled "Why We Sing."
    To see the full performance, please visit https://bit.ly/3rGOL12
  • Claire Karr Selected to Attend National Student Leadership Conference
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    Claire Karr Selected to Attend National Student Leadership Conference
    Claire Karr (VA, '23) was selected to attend the National Student Leadership Conference on Psychology & Neuroscience at American University this summer.
  • Jared Weissberg Wins First Place in International Competition
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    Jared Weissberg Wins First Place in International Competition
    Jared Weissberg (IM, '22) won first place at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
  • Hannah Cho Wins at Junior Performance Competition
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    Hannah Cho Wins at Junior Performance Competition
    Hannah Cho (IM, '25) won first place in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Junior Performance competition at both the California state level and Southwest division level. She was selected to advance to the MTNA National competition as a representative of the Southwest division. She also won first place in the American Protégé International Woodwinds and Brass Competition and is scheduled to perform at the winner's solo recital at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
  • Tawnie “Kiyoné'' Shorter in "Nightbird Society"
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    Tawnie “Kiyoné'' Shorter in "Nightbird Society"
    Tawnie “Kiyoné'' Shorter (MT, '21) was selected to be the singing voice of “Sarah” in the newly released video game Nightbird Society, by Epizodic Entertainment, which is about unsung heroes overcoming their fears and bringing magic back into the world through music. Tawnie wrote and recorded all of her character's featured songs.
  • Maggie Ding’s Winning Short Film "Left Behind"
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    Maggie Ding’s Winning Short Film "Left Behind"
    Maggie Ding’s (FTV, '22) short film, titled Left Behind, won first place in the documentary category at the Josiah Media Festival and the International KidsNFilm Festival. The film also received the award for Best Youth Movie at the SoCal Film Awards and was a finalist in the International Teen Short Film Festival.
  • Monica Magana Serves as Senior Designer on "Go, Dog. Go!"
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    Monica Magana Serves as Senior Designer on "Go, Dog. Go!"
    Monica Magana (VA, '11) served as a senior designer on the Netflix series Go, Dog. Go!
    To view the trailer, please visit https://bit.ly/3qDdLF3
  • Oliver Price Releases Music Video “This Way”
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    Oliver Price Releases Music Video “This Way”
    Oliver Price (IM, '16) released a music video for his song, titled “This Way.”
    To view the video, please visit https://bit.ly/3eyVRRu
  • Stacie Cruz Nominated for Orange County Teachers of the Year
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    Stacie Cruz Nominated for Orange County Teachers of the Year
    OCSA academic teacher Stacie Cruz was selected by the Orange County Department of Education to advance as the charter school nominee in the 2022 Orange County Teachers of the Year program, which provides recognition for outstanding teachers in Orange County.
  • Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team
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    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team
    Congratulations to the members of OCSA’s Mock Trial Team, who competed this year against more than 35 teams from across Orange County, advancing to the semifinals. The primary competition team was victorious against JSerra, Brea Olinda, Foothill, Santa Ana, Beckman, and Yorba Linda, while the secondary competition team defeated Portola and Mater Dei.

    Primary Team:
    Sophia Abiera (ACT, ‘24)
    Sruthi Alle (CV, ‘21)
    Catherine Boland (IA, ‘24)
    Charlotte Brandman (MT, ‘23)
    Riley Bryant (FTV, ‘21)
    Edward Chen (IA, ‘24)
    Gabriel Chen (PM, ‘22)
    Ethan Gray (ACT, ‘22)
    Sasha Herthel (ACT, ‘23)
    Ashley Hodge (IA, ‘23)
    Melanie Huq (CW, ‘21)
    Toby Izenberg (CW, ‘23)
    Milo Karnes (IA, ‘24)
    Emma Kay (ACT, ‘23)
    Regan Mading (IA, ‘23)
    Mehra Marzbani (ACT, ‘23)
    Morgan Milam (IM, ‘24)
    Gaby Mikhail (CW, ‘21)
    Daisy Noh (IA, ‘22)
    Jess Perez (ACT, ‘21)
    Paris Lases-Perez (ACT, ‘21)
    Colin Root (ACT, ‘22)
    Jocelyn Wang (PM, ‘23)

    Secondary Team:
    Ally Artavia-High (CW, ‘24)
    Zabby Bagnol (PD, ‘24)
    Daniel Grossgold (IA, ‘24)
    McKenna Guldner (IA, ‘24)
    Courtney Hines (CW, ‘24)
    Darian Hojreh (CAH, ‘22)
    Claire Karr (VA, ‘23)
    Annabelle Kim (CW, ‘23)
    Emily Kim (CW, ‘24)
    Nathaniel Kim (DM, ‘22)
    Sky Lu (IA, ‘23)
    Kendall Phanco (VA, ‘23)
    Mia Rinaldi (PM, ‘23)
    Aryan Simhadri (ACT, ‘24)
    Elora Sparnicht (CW, ‘23)
    Luke Stark (IA, ‘24)
  • Finalists for 2021 Dragon Kim Fellowship
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    Finalists for 2021 Dragon Kim Fellowship
    The following students advanced as finalists in receiving prestigious 2021 Dragon Kim Fellowships from the Dragon Kim Foundation. If selected for the fellowship, teams will be awarded up to $5,000 to implement a community service project as a part of a seven-month, hands-on leadership training and mentorship program. OCSA’s finalists are listed below by team.

    Art Unlimited: Abril Rodriguez Diaz (CW, ‘22)
    Eye Matter: Cece Fanelli (PD, ‘22) and Anjal Jain (CV, ‘22)
    Intertwined: Adin Choun (IM, ‘22) and Katelyn Jo (IM, ‘22)
    Let’s Learn about Public Health!: Melody Chang (IM, ‘22)
    Pacific Bridge: Iris Wang (IM, ‘22) and Eric Zhu (FTV, ‘22)
    Sembrando Dahlias: Bianca Lozano (BF, ‘21) and Samantha Perez (BF, ‘21)
    Time Travel With Music: Leo Sui (IM, ‘23)
    Uncovering Strengths: Saira Arora (IM, ‘22) and Emma McCanne (IM, ‘22)
    We are Dancing Women: Grace Kim (BR, ‘22) and Hana Uehara (BR, ‘23)
  • Kyle Rumble Performed for Philharmonic Society Committee
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    Kyle Rumble Performed for Philharmonic Society Committee
    Kyle Rumble (CV, ‘22) performed a brief recital, composed of arias, songs, and a selection from South Pacific, for the Philharmonic Society Committee.
  • Katherine Wong Selected as Coca-Cola Scholars Program Regional Finalist
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    Katherine Wong Selected as Coca-Cola Scholars Program Regional Finalist
    Katherine Wong (IM, ‘21) was selected as a regional finalist in the Coca-Cola Scholars Program in recognition of her leadership, service, and academics, as well as her efforts to positively affect others in her community. From the 251 regional finalists across the country, 150 winners will be selected to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and to join a network of more than 6,000 Coca-Cola Scholar alumni that encourage, challenge, and support each other in their common goal of making the world a better place.
  • Emma Ward Named 1st Place Alternate in VOCE Competition
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    Emma Ward Named 1st Place Alternate in VOCE Competition
    Emma Ward (IM, ‘22) was named 1st Place Alternate in the Senior Division of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) San Diego Branch VOCE Competition, playing the Liebermann Concerto for Piccolo.
  • Adam Suh Creates YouTube Videos for the Sunrise Senior Center
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    Adam Suh Creates YouTube Videos for the Sunrise Senior Center
    Adam Suh (CV, ‘24) created YouTube videos to share with Sunrise Senior Center and other virtual audiences as a part of the California Children's Choir (CCC). The choir wrote and virtually performed a song titled "Why We Sing." To see the full performance, please visit https://bit.ly/3rGOL12
  • Caitlin Cheung Featured in “Girl Hates Her Asian Culture”
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    Caitlin Cheung Featured in “Girl Hates Her Asian Culture”
    Caitlin Cheung (ACT, ‘21) was featured in a Dhar Mann Studios video, titled “Girl Hates Her Asian Culture,” about identity and being proud of your culture.
    To view the full video, please visit https://bit.ly/2OZ6MsR
  • Jonathan Truong Named Runner-up for Claudia Ann Seaman Awards
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    Jonathan Truong Named Runner-up for Claudia Ann Seaman Awards
    Jonathan Truong (CW, ‘21) was named a runner-up in the fiction category in the annual Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers, sponsored by Polyphony Lit, for his piece titled Newspaper Planes.
  • Summer Zamiska Starts Nonprofit Organization "A Case For Kids"
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    Summer Zamiska Starts Nonprofit Organization "A Case For Kids"
    Summer Zamiska (ACT, ‘21) founded A Case For Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in honor of her grandmother who passed away from Alzheimer's disease. Summer and her OCSA team make and donate handmade pillowcases locally and globally for foster children and orphans to keep with them as they move from home to home. Her team works with Olive Crest Foster Care, Covenant House Homeless Shelter, Laura’s House Domestic Violence Center, OC 4 Kids Social Services Agency, The Rose Again Foundation Foster Agency, and Evolution Haiti. For more information, check out the website here http://bit.ly/2Q213Db
  • Students Launch Teen Writing Masterclass with the Huntington Beach Library
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    Students Launch Teen Writing Masterclass with the Huntington Beach Library
    Gaby Mikhail (CW, ‘21), Christina Miles (CW, ‘21), Alena Nguyen (CW, ‘21), and Kaitlyn Vu (CW, ‘21) launched the Teen Writing Masterclass with the Huntington Beach Library. This site for teens provides a variety of resources, including tutorials with topics such as "The Fundamentals of Storytelling," writing prompts, and a submission opportunity to receive feedback and be considered for publication. To view the full site, please visit http://bit.ly/3bQzS6S
  • Aaron Wimbley Accepted into the SoCal Youth Neuroscience Association
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    Aaron Wimbley Accepted into the SoCal Youth Neuroscience Association
    Aaron Wimbley (CV, ‘23) was nominated and accepted into the SoCal Youth Neuroscience Association (SCYNA) through the UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. SCYNA allows students to connect with experts in the field through events, competitions, and discussions.
  • All-State Band Acceptances for 2021
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    All-State Band Acceptances for 2021
    The following students were accepted into the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) All-State Band for 2021:

    Marie Bocanegra (IM, ‘25) - Trombone
    Hannah Cho (IM, ‘25) - Oboe
    James Dechary (IM, ‘24) - Trombone
    Auvin Hajian (IM, ‘22) - Trombone
    Kylie Heidal (IM, ‘23) - Brass Trombone
    Miri Izenberg (IM, ‘26) - Trumpet
    Ryan Klotz (IM, ‘22) - Tuba
    Allison Molin (IM, ‘25) - Trumpet
    Annabelle Park (IM, ‘22) - Oboe
    Keilah Park (IM, ‘25) - Horn
    Katie Shinogi (IM, ‘25) - Clarinet
    Elliot Shiwota (IM, ‘22) - Percussion
    Leo Sui (IM, ‘23) - Trombone
  • Mackenzie Wrape Accepted into the MPulse Musical Theatre Workshop
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    Mackenzie Wrape Accepted into the MPulse Musical Theatre Workshop
    Mackenzie Wrape (MT, ‘22) was accepted to the MPulse Musical Theatre Workshop at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance for summer 2021.
  • Students from OCSA Science Olympiad Division C Team Place at Invitational
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    Students from OCSA Science Olympiad Division C Team Place at Invitational
    The OCSA Science Olympiad Division C (High School) Team competed in the Golden Gate Invitational. Out of 151 teams from across the nation, Kacy Chung (VA, ‘23), Anjal Jain (CV, ‘22), and Joshua Qin (BR, ‘23) earned a 10th place medal in Codebusters.

    Other competitors included Sameer Bajaj (ACT, ‘24), Vivian Chen (IM, ‘23), Caleb Empig (IM, ‘23), Katherine Given (ACT, ‘24), Grant Li (CW, ‘23), Sara Shimabukuro (IM, ‘21), Samantha Su (VA, ‘21), Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24), Allison Wong (CW, ‘23), Jeffrey Yang (CV, ‘24), and Erica Yang (IA, ‘21).
  • Juliet Garbacz Wins Scholarship for The School of American Ballet
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    Juliet Garbacz Wins Scholarship for The School of American Ballet
    Juliet Garbacz (MT, ‘25) received a scholarship to train at The School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet, in their five-week summer intensive.
  • Cooper Johnson's French Horn Performances
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    Cooper Johnson's French Horn Performances
    Cooper Johnson (IM, ‘15) played French horn for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Air Force Bands of Central California, Texas, Virginia, and South Illinois.
  • Grant White's Film, "I Am Somebody"
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    Grant White's Film, "I Am Somebody"
    Grant White (FTV, ‘07) recently directed, filmed, and edited a short documentary on homelessness in Long Beach, titled I Am Somebody. The film amplifies the voices of Anaheim Street’s most vulnerable, those who take shelter under freeway overpasses and concrete buildings. To read more about the documentary, please visit http://bit.ly/3vrDvIi
  • Sydney Dardis Wins 2021 Encouragement Award
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    Sydney Dardis Wins 2021 Encouragement Award
    Sydney Dardis (CV, ‘17) was awarded the Encouragement Award in the 2021 San Diego District of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions program. Sydney competed among 20 other singers aged 20-29 and was the youngest singer to be awarded this prize.
  • Jack Finlay's Work at Veritas Musica Publishing
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    Jack Finlay's Work at Veritas Musica Publishing
    Jack Finlay (IM, ‘19) became a published music arranger and contributor at Veritas Musica Publishing. His French horn choir arrangements of pieces by Mahler and Berlioz will be available for purchase online in the near future.
  • Rachel Kramer - Emerging Leader Award Nominee
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    Rachel Kramer - Emerging Leader Award Nominee
    Rachel Kramer, Director of the Popular Music Conservatory, was nominated for the Arts School Network (ASN) Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton Emerging Leader Award. This recognition is designed to acknowledge excellence and achievement among rising arts school administrators and to highlight the innovative educational practices or programs of those leaders.
  • Patrick Williams Forges Partnership with HyperX
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    Patrick Williams Forges Partnership with HyperX
    Patrick Williams, Director of the Digital Media Conservatory, forged a partnership with HyperX to support and encourage the growth of the Esports program at OCSA. HyperX donated gaming peripherals like keyboards, mice, mousepads, and headsets. OCSA students will now have access to cutting-edge technology to aid them as they compete against other schools. To read the official press release, please visit http://bwnews.pr/3vvpHg2
  • Students Featured in Blue Door Magazine
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    Students Featured in Blue Door Magazine
    Corah Abbott (CCD, '21), Analiese Bancroft (CCD, '21), and Rachel Ta (CCD, '21) were featured in a Blue Door Magazine photo that creatively brought dance and architecture together. To read the full article, please visit https://bit.ly/3bXqQoA
  • Landyn Slominski Places 2nd in Dance Competition
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    Landyn Slominski Places 2nd in Dance Competition
    Landyn Slominski (BF, '26) competed in the Latin Mirage Ultimate Soloist Competition and placed second for her choreography from the state of Hidalgo in the Folklórico Dance category.
  • Hannah Cho Wins at MTNA Competition
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    Hannah Cho Wins at MTNA Competition
    Hannah Cho (IM, ‘25) won 3rd place in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National performance competition, after previously winning at the State and Southwest division levels. She will be receiving a $300 award from the MTNA Foundation fund.
  • Tobi Park's Poetry Book "Meraki" Publish
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    Tobi Park's Poetry Book "Meraki" Publish
    Tobi Park (CW, '21) compiled her first book of poetry, titled Meraki. Published by Atmosphere Press, the book contains poems previously featured in a number of literary magazines, such as Rattle and Chautauqua Journal.
  • Zoe Harrison Creates Yamaha Instrument Art
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    Zoe Harrison Creates Yamaha Instrument Art
    Zoe Harrison (PD, ‘25) received two instruments from Yamaha and upcycled them into art projects. Her violin piece was selected to be displayed at Able Arts Work Gallery in Long Beach and her guitar piece was selected to be displayed at the Anaheim Muzeo.
  • The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program Semifinalists
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    The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program Semifinalists
    The following students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program. Spotlight is a nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens that awards more than $100,000 in cash scholarships annually. Semifinalists have the opportunity to attend a special master class in their discipline with highly regarded artists who share their expertise on performance technique, training, and professional life. Each semifinalist will virtually audition once more, and the top two finalist performers in each category will be selected for a total of 14 Grand Prize Finalists.

    Emmy Cheung (CMD, ‘22) - Dance
    Catherine Johnston (CV, ‘21) - Classical Voice
    Kangsan Kim (CV, ‘22) - Classical Voice
    Ava Kuntz (CV, ‘21) - Classical Voice
    David Lee (IM, ‘21) - Jazz Instrumental
    Mallory McKenna (CMD, ‘23) - Dance
    Gianna Pedregon (IM, ‘21) - Jazz Instrumental
    Bridget Phillips (MT, ‘22) - Acting
    Sydney Thomas (CMD, ‘22) - Dance
    Hana Uehara (BR, ‘23) - Dance
    Kailyn Yi (CMD, ‘22) - Dance
  • 2021 Dragon Kim Fellows
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    2021 Dragon Kim Fellows
    The following students were selected as 2021 Dragon Kim Fellows and earned $5,000 community service grants from the Dragon Kim Foundation. These students were chosen from over 240 applicants across California and Nevada and went through a rigorous interview process to earn the fellowships.

    Melody Chang (IM, ‘22)
    Adin Choung (IM, ‘22)
    Abril Rodriguez Diaz (CW, ‘22)
    Katelyn Jo (IM, ‘22)
    Samantha Perez (BF, ‘22)
    Iris Wang (IM, ‘22)
    Eric Zhu (FTV, ‘22)
  • Students Featured in Ladera Ranch Roots and Wings Magazine
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    Students Featured in Ladera Ranch Roots and Wings Magazine
    Adrienne Dunworth (IA, ‘22), Luke Witting (IA, ‘23), and their band, Color of Sound, were recognized in the “Amazing Teens” section of the Ladera Ranch Roots and Wings magazine for performing more than 30 live three-hour performances since mid-May in support of local small businesses.

    To read the full magazine article, please visit https://bit.ly/3gbPnJo
  • Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key Award
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    Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key Award
    Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Regional-at-Large awards. Gold Key recipients will now be judged at the national level.

    Gold Key Award
    Sylvia Cheeseman (DM, ‘22): Painting, The King; Digital Art, Dreamer
    Nora De Vente (VA, ‘22): Printmaking, Mother of Anthropocene
    Joyce Hong (VA, ‘22): Drawing & Illustration, Recurrection
    Mia Hsu (VA, ‘23): Painting, My Asian Woman
    Grace Jo (VA, ‘22): Painting, Help for Hope
    Hannah Kang (VA, ‘22): Painting, Complexities of Skin UnderTones (Sequel)
    Alison Lee (VA, ‘23): Mixed Media, Buried in America; Painting, Refraction
    Amanda Lee (IM, ‘23): Science Fiction & Fantasy, The Girl Who Brought Back Life
    Kristie Lee (VA, ‘22): Sculpture, Communion, Into the Void
    Joyce Lee (VA, '21): Art Portfolio, 2020 Frenzy; Drawing & Illustration, Colorism, Nature's Unification, Reminisce
    Grant Li (CW, ‘23): Humor, An Update from Heaven - Yeah, We Don't Know Either
    Caitlyn Mason (CW, ‘23): Dramatic Script, two types of goodbye
    Juhyun Park (VA, ‘21): Film & Animation, Pandemic; Expanded Projects, Homes - Social Distancing; Drawing & Illustration, Time in Quarantine
    Junwoo Park (VA, ‘21): Drawing & Illustration, New Generation Appears, Violence has no Boundaries
    Bridget Phillips (MT, ‘22): Poetry, Be Pretty— No, Be Clever
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23): Painting, Ocularity
    Amy Shi (CW, ‘24): Poetry, Monsters Amid War
    Clara Son (CW, ‘23): Poetry, The Maiden In My Dreams
    Ashley Thornton (CW, ‘23): Critical Essay, The Dead Part of a Star; Poetry, Catallena
    Trenyce Tong (VA, ‘21): Sculpture, WorldWide; Drawing & Illustration, 13 Mementos on My Desk; Art Portfolio, Connective Screens
    Amy Wang (VA, ‘23): Painting, Pajamas
    Suofei Wang (VA, ‘21): Architecture & Industrial Design, Woven Garden, Concert Hall; Drawing & Illustration, Tea Set
    Ally Wong (CW, ‘23): Poetry, Springrolls, On Lunar New Year; Short Story, Gutted
    Kevin Yang (VA, ‘24): Drawing & Illustration, The Upside Down World
    Cindy Zhang (VA, ‘24): Digital Art, Assumptions
  • Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key Award
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    Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key Award
    Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Regional-at-Large awards.

    Silver Key Award:
    Lena Brem (CW, ‘23): Short Story, The Cul-de-sac
    Laura Anne Chen (CW, ‘21): Flash Fiction, Windowpane Glass; Novel Writing, Jewel-Steeped Hibiscus
    Andy Choi (CW, ‘22): Poetry, Cyborg Asian Americana
    Adin Choung (IM, ‘22): Flash Fiction, Yellow to White; Personal Essay & Memoir, My Poor Green Frog Mother
    Kacy Chung (VA, ‘23): Drawing & Illustration, Escape, Wonder
    David Du (FTV, ‘24): Film & Animation, Incent City
    Isabel Hahn (CW, ‘22): Short Story, Sonder
    Faith Hochgesang (IA, ‘23): Poetry, Quaran-Sonnet
    Jessica Hong (CW, ‘24): Personal Essay & Memoir, The Raging Inferno
    Joyce Hong (VA, ‘22): Painting, War of Worship
    Melanie Huq (CW, ‘21): Short Story, Isolatoes, The Sapphire Key
    Jamie Jung (CW, ‘24): Flash Fiction, My Name; Short Story, The Voice
    Tara Kalle (CW, ‘23): Flash Fiction, Baby Luke My 'Demon' Brother
    Hannah Kang (VA, ‘22): Painting, Prerogative of the Activists
    Annette Kim (VA, ‘22): Painting, Incompetent
    Chloe Kim (VA, ‘23): Comic Art, My Quarantine
    Donggyu Kim (VA, ‘24): Ceramics & Glass, The Amalgamate
    Lauren Kim (VA, ‘22): Sculpture, Life Organs; Expanded Projects, The Pixel World
    Ava Li (VA, ‘22): Painting, mystery forest
    Leo Lai (CW, ‘24): Short Story, Peter the Pencil and Ed the Eraser
    Joyce Lee (VA, ‘21): Painting, Burning
    Evan Yu-Wei Lu (VA, ‘23): Mixed Media, Time
    Caitlyn Mason (CW, ‘23): Dramatic Script, life in the sky; Short Story, the family on the bathroom wall
    Sidney Muntean (CW, ‘22): Flash Fiction, MUSINGS OF A MODERN-DAY GHOST; Personal Essay & Memoir, Desperado
    Ashley Oh (DM, ‘24): Sculpture, Ethereal
    Lisa Ordonez (IA, ‘23): Poetry, Nothing Lasts; Short Story, Where the Stars and Fires Played the Same Song
    Kaitlyn Pak (VA, ‘22): Painting, Submerged
    Juhyun Park (VA, ‘21): Painting, Split Realities of Quarantine; Drawing & Illustration, New Normal
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23): Digital Art, Spring in America, 2020
    Keila Sato (CW, ‘21): Science Fiction & Fantasy, Helios, The Last Ama; Secrets in the Sands; Writing Portfolio, Distant Worlds
    Amy Shi (CW, ‘24): Short Story, Sanguine
    Sohun Shin (VA, ‘24): Mixed Media, Natural Beauty
    Clara Son (CW, ‘23): Poetry, Greek Tragedies, Ablaze
    Elora Sparnicht (CW, ‘23): Humor, My Name is COVID-19
    Trenyce Tong (VA, ‘21): Digital Art, Pixelated View
    Huilun Wang (VA, ‘23): Painting, Fallen
    Vivienne Williams (VA, ‘23): Drawing & Illustration, Construction of One’s Self
    Ally Wong (CW, '23): Poetry, Eczema, Assimilation, Calligraphy Lesson
    Jeffrey Yang (CV, ‘24): Flash Fiction, the orphan's memoir; Poetry, gone forever, dear ai
    Kevin Yang (VA, ‘24): Painting, Blinded
    James Yi (CW, ‘24): Flash Fiction, First Human
    Junzhu Zhang (VA, ‘21): Mixed Media, Tongue; Painting, Storage Room, Lady with Earrings
  • Scholastic Art & Writing Awards - Honorable Mention
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    Scholastic Art & Writing Awards - Honorable Mention
    Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Regional-at-Large awards.

    Honorable Mention:
    Anika Biswas (CW, ‘23): Short Story, Boa Constrictor
    Lena Brem (CW, ‘23): Short Story, The Ticking Stops
    Cat Bui (CW, ‘22): Science Fiction & Fantasy, Libellulidae
    Melody Chang (IM, ‘22): Poetry, Ode to an Eraser, Reflections: from a Woman in STEM
    Sylvia Cheeseman (DM, ‘22): Drawing & Illustration, Flight
    Andy Choi (CW, ‘22): Short Story, 38th Parallel
    Erin Choi (VA, ‘22): Painting, Warmth, A Slipped Disc
    Adin Choung (IM, ‘22): Short Story, China Dolls
    Ethan Chu (VA, ‘21): Film & Animation, Life at a Japanese High School
    Nora De Vente (VA, ‘22): Ceramics & Glass, Ignited
    Maggie Ding (FTV, ‘22): Film & Animation, VOICE
    Emilia Djordjevic (CW, ‘23): Short Story, Blood On My Hands
    Joyce Hong (VA, ‘22): Comic Art, Night Illusion at Osaka; Drawing & Illustration, Rotten
    Sally Jang (CW, ‘23): Flash Fiction, Keep the Distance, If I Was Back: A Vignette
    Youning Jiang (FTV, ‘22): Painting, Portrait of Dad
    Aaliyah Joo (VA, ‘23): Drawing & Illustration, America, Land of the Free?; Painting, Dreams of Fish
    Hannah Kang (VA, ‘22): Painting, Complexities of Skin Color
    Annabelle Kim (CW, ‘24): Short Story, A Thread Between Us, Simplicity of Life
    Annette Kim (VA, ‘22): Drawing & Illustration, Human; Sculpture, Leisure
    Caroline Kim (VA, ‘25): Fashion, Asymmetry
    Chloe Kim (VA, ‘23): Digital Art, Continuos
    Katie Kim (CW, ‘23): Short Story, Domesticated
    Emily Kim (CW, ‘24): Poetry, picture this...
    Grace Kim (BR, ‘22): Personal Essay & Memoir, Imo's House; Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mayu
    Olivia Knox (PM, ‘23): Painting, Koi Fish closet
    Carrie Kuo (VA, ‘22): Painting, Human, Spring Beginnings; Mixed Media, Scary Carrie
    Dawon Lee (PD, ‘23): Drawing & Illustration, Hand Elements
    Joyce Lee (VA, ‘21): Painting, Archive; Mixed Media, Crisis, Imitation
    Kristie Lee (VA, ‘22): Digital Art, In My Own Little World, Mixed Media, Contend
    Samantha Losey (VA, ‘25): Painting, Aries
    Evan Yu-Wei Lu (VA, ‘23): Painting, Peppers, Cancer
    Caitlyn Mason (CW, ‘23): Journalism, Figure Skaters' Eating Habits Leave Them on Thin Ice
    Sidney Muntean (CW, ‘22): Flash Fiction, The Event Horizon
    Lisa Ordonez (IA, ‘23): Science Fiction & Fantasy, A Reverie of an Icy Prince; Painting, The Storyteller
    Juhyun Park (VA, ‘21): Art Portfolio, The Progression of 2020; Digital Art, Babel City
    Junwoo Park (VA, ‘21): Mixed Media, Janus, The Two Faces of a Pandemic; Art Portfolio, Beauty Under Destruction
    Tobi-Hope Jieun Park (CW, ‘21): Poetry, the mythos speaks of women; Writing Portfolio, Meraki and Other Dances
    Abril Rodriguez Diaz (CW, ‘22): Poetry, Skeleton House
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23): Digital Art, INDELIBLE, INVERSION
    Keila Sato (CW, ‘21): Novel Writing, The Fire in His Blood
    Amy Shi (CW, ‘24): Poetry, Cordae Lupa; Short Story, Animotophobia— fragens, nefasta, et timida
    Sohun Shin (VA, ‘24): Painting, Closest, Most Precious; Drawing & Illustration, Home Stays
    Elora Sparnicht (CW, ‘23): Humor, In Opposition of Ice Breaker Games
    Ashley Thornton (CW, ‘23): Poetry, The Unicorn, The Universal Collapse, Paradise Parasite, Premonitio[n], God is a Butterfly, Starlight
    Trenyce Tong (VA, ‘21): Mixed Media, The Bifurcation of Life, Violation; Film & Animation, Weather’s Changing
    Jonathan Truong (CW, ‘21): Short Story, Newspaper Planes
    Huilun Wang (VA, ‘23): Painting, Light, Leafs
    Suofei Wang (VA, ‘21): Painting, Night Market
    Xiaowei Wang (VA, '22): Drawing & Illustration, The Composer of Decomposition
    Ally Wong (CW, ‘23): Poetry, maintenance inside her heart chamber, Courtesy of the Coyotes, We were left behind to survive, behind grandpa's feet
    Katherine Wong (CW, ‘21): Poetry, waning&waxing down capital cul-de-sacs
    Jeffrey Yang (CV, ‘24): Flash Fiction, late mis-; Poetry, inner prayer, two eyes
    Rachel Yoo (VA, ‘23): Photography, Hands of Stereotypes
    Cindy Zhang (VA, ‘24): Painting, Hush
    Junzhu Zhang (VA, ‘21): Sculpture, Thin Man; Drawing & Illustration, Red Door, Red Shoes; Painting, Spring 2020; Art Portfolio, The world I live in -2
    Carina Zheng (VA, ‘24): Design, Tenki No Ko
  • Christina Miles Performs at the Golden Globe Awards
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    Christina Miles Performs at the Golden Globe Awards
    Christina Miles (CW, ‘21) was selected by the Get Lit organization to perform alongside two other poets at the Golden Globe Awards.
  • OCSA Eye Matter Club Covered in Voice of OC Article
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    OCSA Eye Matter Club Covered in Voice of OC Article
    The OCSA Eye Matter Club, founded by Anjal Jain (CV, ‘22), was covered in an article by Voice of OC. The Eye Matter Club helps individuals with eye impairment to connect with each other through the arts. Eye Matter recently hosted online international art classes in nine different artistic disciplines for individuals with visual impairments. These art classes were taught completely by OCSA students and the visually impaired students' artistic performances were displayed during an international showcase. The following students are also members of the club.

    Ritika Asher (CCD, ‘22)
    Cece Fanelli (PD, ‘22)
    Ava Gaskins (FTV, ‘22)
    Stella Goodman (CV, ‘23)
    Joyce Lee (CV, ‘22)
    Delaney Manna (PD, ‘23)
    Sarah Park (CV, ‘23)
    Finley Sasena (CCD, ‘23)
    Hailey Somphone (CV, ‘22)
    Larkin Ten Elshof (CV, ‘22)
    Grace Wilcox (ACT, ‘22)

    Please view the article here: https://bit.ly/3dgeRDd