State of the Arts
2017-18
Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School
April 14, 2018
Dr. Edward A. Trimis, Principal
Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School is a student-centered, creative learning community that engages students intellectually and artistically, instilling responsible citizenship and academic rigor for college and career preparedness.
Welcome to the "State of the Arts"
Welcome to our latest Legacy VAPA State of the Arts newsletter! It is hard to believe it has not even been two years since I joined the VAPA familiy and all that we have been able to do in that short time. Our performing groups continue grow and develop and we continue to add new programs while fine-tuning the programs we have already in place. Our Writing for Musicals program continues to expand, our VAPA Mariachi group continues to grow, we added Legacy Girls Water Polo this year with Boys Water Polo and Golf to start soon, and our National Honor Society just inducted their first group of members. While at this printing we are still awaiting initial district approval of our new Legacy VAPA Theatre and Media Arts Magnet, we are moving forward with several new programs including the Educare ACE program for our current 9th and 12th graders with a another ACE program planned for new 9th graders this August, Link Crew, and are now the newest Franklin-Covey Leader in Me School. So here we go with the updates! Be sure to click the hyperlinks in RED at the bottom of each article to see more photos and enrich your experience!

           -Dr. Edward Trimis, Principal
VAPA All-Star Choir in Arts Ed Benefit
Congratulations to our amazing VAPA All-Star Choir for a wonderful performance of Man in the Mirror with Siedah Garrett at the LAUSD “We Are One” Benefit for Arts Education on stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on April 12, 2018. Thank you to the Arts Education Branch Staff for the invite and support, especially Rory Pullens, Steven McCarthy, and Christopher Rodriguez, and thank you to Interim Superintendent Vivian Ekchian and Board President Monica Garcia for their support. Thank you also to LDE Superintendent Jose Huerta, Director Christina Rico, and Board Member Ref Rodriguez for their support of Legacy VAPA High School. Congrats also to our fellow performers, especially Germain ES and Paul Revere MS. Lastly, thank you to VAPA Vocal Musical Director, Karla Cho, and our fantastic students!

New VAPA Student Art
Have you seen the latest beautiful paintings in the Legacy VAPA Art Collection? These awesome works created by students in Ms. Holland’s art classes started beautifying our hallways last week. “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” -Thomas Merton
Enroll at Legacy VAPA
The Zone of Choice One-Time Transfer Application Window is OPEN! Forms available on the Zone of Choice website or at the VAPA Office! Choose Legacy VAPA! We're here for you!

National Honor Society Comes to Legacy VAPA
The National Honor Society came to Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School in earnest as the first proud class of 19 Students were inducted into the prestigious organization on April 13, 2018. The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service, and character. We are all super proud of our new NHS members, not only scholars of distinction, but students who make us all appreciate how special an opportunity we have to work with such wonderful young men and women and the parents, families, and friends who support them. The induction ceremony was beautifully done with all the class and grace that our students so rightly deserve. The presenters who included Ms. Dadrass, Ms. Solis, Ms., Hernandez, Ms. Spencer, and Ms. Grinner, all included notable quotes in their presentations such as "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth", from Mohammad Ali. Thank you to our sponsors, Ms. Jeina Dadrass and Ms. Griselda Solis, the NHS selection panel, all the parents and supporters, and the new NHS members. This was truly a great day to be part of the VAPA Legacy family.

VAPA Jazz Choir Performs in Oceanside
Congrats Legacy VAPA Voices Jazz Singers for an awesome performance today at the Oceanside Jazz Festival at Mira Costa College on April 14, 2018. Thank you to all of our parents for their support! Go to this hashtag for photos on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: #oceansidejazzfestival


Overcoming Adversity in Music
Overcoming Adversity in Arts Competition
Legacy Color Guard at WGAC, Year 2
Congratulations to the Legacy Color Guard having a great season in the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) circuit. They kicked off their second season with he February 10, 2018 placement show at Woodbridge HS in Irvine. Thank you, Coach Olvera, family, friends, and Guard members! Their last competition was at Sweetwater High School in National City, CA, on April 8, 2018. The Tigers did a great job, increasing their score by 10 points and defeating the host team. Special thanks to parents and supporters and to Coach Andy Olvera.

VAPA Dance Teacher is Teacher of the Year
Congratulations, Mr. Marcello Sanna-Pickett, who was honored tonight as a nominee for the California League of High Schools Teacher of the year! VAPA is lucky to have a dance educator of Mr. Sanna-Pickett’s caliber at our school!

Cast of Aladdin at Aladdin
Thank you amazing cast and crew from the Aladdin production at the Pantages for a wonderful show on MArch 28, 2018. Legacy VAPA cast of Aladdin were in the audience! Thank you to director’s Ms. Craig and Mr. Delgado who also attended. Don’t miss Aladdin at VAPA April 19-21, 2018!

VAPA Ready to Test
Thank you to our Saturday School faculty and the students who come to school several Saturday mornings to get ahead in math and for SAT Prep! Thank you Mr. Shaw, Mr. Vellonakis, and Mr. Avalos (math) and Ms. Simmons (SAT Prep). Thanls also to Ms. Grinner and Ms. Dadrass for support!

VAPA Students & Staff Shine
The Legacy VAPA Talent Show was March 21, 2018, and, yes VAPA’s Got Talent! From the great student rock band who opened and closed the show, to the many dance acts and solo singers, it was impressive! Biggest surprise: Mrs. Cho our talented Korean and Choir teacher rocking out singing a Whitney Houston song! Most moving moment: When the entire audience sang 'When I was Your Man' along with soloist. You have to love an arts school!  #LegacyVAPArocks
VAPA Students of the Month Honored in February and March
Congratulations Legacy VAPA Students of the Month and Staff Member of the Month awarded March 23, 2108: Mikeal Lopez, Rondaisha Davis, Vania Crespo, and Daniella Guiterrez Rosas! Congrats also to our Legacy VAPA Students of the Month from February, 2018: Carmen Rios, Abi Aguirre, Emele Villalobos, and Diane Gallardo (not pictured). The students were all recommended by their teachers. The program is a project of our student leadership class.
VAPA at the Science Center
On January 18, 2018, almost 70 Legacy VAPA students had the opportunity to see the Body Worlds exhibit at the California Science Center! Thank you, Ms. Gramlich for organizing and supervising the trip!

New Programs Coming to VAPA
We are so excited about our new programs at Legacy VAPA rolling out this year! National Honor Society (NHS) , Link Crew , and The Leader in Me! We are one of the first high schools in California who are a Leader in Me School! So proud!

VAPA Arts and Electives Fair
March 19, 2018 was Legacy VAPA’s 1st Annual Advanced Placement, Electives, and Arts Course Fair! Thank you to our teachers and students who participated! So many options for our students! Stuents were encouraged to see their counselor and sign up for your courses! AP Music Theory, Costuming and Make-Up for Stage and Screen, and Body Conditioning are just a few of the new courses we are offering!

VAPA at Eastside Arts Festival 2018
Congratulations to the VAPA groups who performed March 3, 2018 at the Eastside Arts Festival at Torres High School (Aladdin Cast, Jazz Choir, Dance Team, Jazz Band, & Mariachi VAPA). Great job! We’re proud of you!

Powder Puff, Year 2, Part 1 (With a Twist)

Congrats, Senior Powder Puff players and their coaches (and cheerleaders) for a great game on March 16, 2018. In a slightly different take on the Powder Puff tradition, Legacy Senior Girls played Senior Girls from Maywood Academy. Boys were the coaches and cheerleaders.

Girls Basketball Have a Stellar Season
The Varsity Legacy Girls Basketball Team completed their CIF City Section season on MArch 3, 2018 with a heart-crushing defeat to a strong Carson HS Team today in the City Championships. We are super proud of our girls for a spectacular season and many amazing games and victories along the way. The Lady Tigers ended their run for the state title in an exciting So Cal Regional Semi-Final game against a tough Sunny Hills HS team in Fullerton. After being undefeated in league (12-0) and a heart-breaking defeat in the Div. 1 CIF City Championships, earning them the title of Runner Up in the City, the ladies thought their season was over. But then they had the opportunity to complete in the State Championships (D3) as the 15th seed. In an exciting state play-off series, Legacy defeated #2 seeded Warren HS 73-74 and # 10 seeded Oxford Academy for their next two games. As I looked out to our team tonight, I could feel nothing but pride and appreciation. Appreciation for the dedication and the many hours Coach E has put in with team, appreciation for the wonderful fans, supporters, and families who support their individual players and the team (as well as their modeling good sportsmanlike fan-behavior at the games, not always demonstrated by our opponent’s fans), and appreciation for our wonderful, talented, hard-working, and graceful athletes. Girls, you are awesome. We are incredibly proud of you and are so fortunate to work with you and honored that you represent our Legacy Schools.March 9 was Tigers Girls Basketball Day at Legacy! March 16 was Legacy High School Girls Basketball Day as proclaimed by Principal and Athletics Administrator, Dr. Edward Trimis.

Legacy Cheer 1st Place at State
Legacy VAPA Overcoming Adversity in Athletic Competition
Legacy Cheer in CIF Competition
Legacy Cheer Team competed in the first official CIF LAUSD Cheer Meet on March 16 at Torres HS. The importance of this competition can't be overstated. Though Cheer has been officially designated as an official CIF sport for a while now, this is the 1st LAUSD competitive season. Cheer can be called a sport, but when cheer teams need to provide their own transportation, pay comp fees, pay for their own uniforms, and negotiate with various coaches of other sports teams and school officials to even go to events, their status as an official sport is undermined. However, with tomorrow's meet, they ARE a sport. Transportation provided. School release time preapproved. A competition against other LAUSD teams from the same part of the district. It is time. Cheer has arrived. Say hello to one of the newest official CIF sports! We are proud of Coach Brenda and Coach Adolfo and our wonderful Cheer Team. We're with you, we support you, and know you are great. Tiger Pride!

1st Place at Sharp in Torrance
VAPA Spring Concert Series Featuring Judith Hill!
A huge thank you to NPG Recording artist Judith Hill who brought her wonderful mix of jazz, soul, and blues to an appreciative VAPA audience on Feb. 7, 2018. Thank you to the LAUSD Arts Education Branch, Executive Director, Rory Pullens, who arranged the concert for our students. Dr. Steven Mccarthy (Director) and Christopher Rodriguez (Music Specialist), representatives from the AEB, were at the concert and made introductions.
The concert is part of our VAPA Guest Speaker Series and Black History Month Event Calendar. Judith Hill has been praised by Rolling Stone for her “stellar powerhouse vocals.” In addition to penning and performing her own material, Judith – who wrote her first song at the age of four – has backed such artists as Stevie Wonder and the late Michael Jackson. Hers is one of the stories told in director Morgan Neville’s acclaimed 20 Feet From Stardom, a film that shines the spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. The film has won the Film Critics Award for Best Documentary and an Academy Award for Best Documentary. The film also won the 2015 Grammy for Best Music Film. Hill, who was also featured on the film’s soundtrack, was a contestant on season four of “The Voice.” Judith has already garnered much praise for her live performance as opener for Josh Groban, John Legend and Prince both in the US and the UK. Judith Hill’s debut album, “Back In Time,” produced by herself & Prince is out now on NPG Records. Check out her info at  http://www.judithhill.com/


VAPA Recruits Through Posts on Social Media
Legacy VAPA has been recruiting students in several different ways, one being through a series of posts on our social media platforms such as the one below. Join us! we have space!

Reason #11 to enroll at Legacy Visual and Performing Arts HS in the Zone of Choice: Awesome classroom teachers! Chicken Wing dissection in Biology! Zone of Choice enrollment is now! Choose Legacy VAPA! We’re here for you!  www.vapalegacy.com
Legacy VAPA in 2017-18
Overcoming Adversity
Legacy VAPA's 2017-18 theme is "Overcoming Adversity". You will see this theme throughout our programs, classroom instruction, and events!
VAPA ACADECA: Year 2
Congratulations, Legacy VAPA Academic Decathlon Team who concluded their year of training and studying with Day 2 of competitions including an extensive written test and Super Quiz Event at Roybal Learning Center on February 3, 2018. The team worked during their ACADECA class, after school, and at several Saturday workshops and scrimmages over the year. Most people do not realize the extraordinary amount of dedication, study, and time it takes from the coach (Mr. Avalos), the members of the team (including the 9 who compete and the rest of the team), along with the support of family and friends that is needed and truly appreciated. It was a team effort. Again, congratulations. You make all of us in the Legacy VAPA community proud!

Legacy Boys Basketball Success
Legacy Boys Basketball had a great season! Here are photos from Boys and Girls Basketball at Marquez on Jan. 19.

VAPA Royal Steppers at the Chinese Arts Festival 2018
Congratulations to our Legacy VAPA Dance Program and the Royal Steppers Team who took the stage yesterday at this year‘s Chinese Arts Festival at East LA College. The group represented VAPA well, making a first-time appearance at the Festival. Thank you to the trip chaperones, Ms. Simmons and Mrs. Cho (and her advanced Korean classes), Dance program director Mr. Sanna-Pickett, and LDE Arts Integration Specialist, Diane Cordingley, who invited Legacy VAPA to participate. Thanks also to LDE Superintendent Jose Huerta and Secondary Director Christina Rico for their ongoing support.

VAPA Visits Middle Schools
Legacy VAPA's annual recruitment drive starts with outreach from within our VAPA family, to recruitment/articulation shows at feeder middle schools, concluding with a Legacy Open House event where prospective students and their families have the opportunity to meet our students, learn about our school, and tour the campus. This year we performed at Nimitz MS, OCHOA LC, and Southeast MS. Dr. Trimis also spoke at South Gate MS before the Winter break. Our students did a wonderful job performing for and speaking to our prospective students.

Real Life Comes to VAPA
Congrats to the Cast and Crew of Real Life: A 25 Year Musical Anniversary which opened January 25, 2018. A production of the Musical Theatre Workshop, Year 3 of the Writing for Musical Theatre program, the show featured Actor/Singers who are also composers and writers. The Book/Script was written by the actors and students from Huntington Park High School in 1993. Music and lyrics and musical direction by Dr. Edward Trimis and the show was directed by Miguel Delgado. There was a preview performance yesterday and a DVD and Cast Album are in production. VIPs in attendance were LAUSD Superintendent’s Chief of Staff, Alma Pena and Chief Innovation Officer, Mike Romero. Also in attendance were original Real Life cast members Esther Palacios and Christina Nandino (1993).

Arts Education Month
March was Arts Education Month ! After amazing Eastside Arts Festival performances on March 3 by our Jazz Choir, Dance Team, Aladdin Cast, Jazz Band, and Mariachi VAPA groups, we continue to play, sing, dance, create art and media works thorughout the month at Legacy VAPA! "Arts-rich schools benefit everyone. Research increasingly shows that arts education heightens engagement for all students and can increase motivation and persistence for those most at risk of failing or dropping out of school. Learning in the arts also uniquely equips students with the skills in creativity and divergent thinking as well as problem-solving and teamwork that they need to be college and career ready." ( www.Ed.gov )

Legacy VAPA Overcoming Adversity in Racism
Black History Month Celebration 2018
Congrats to all who participated in our 2nd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Affirmation on February 23, 2018. The performances were amazing, on the cutting edge, and perfect for this event. A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Black Student Union, Ms. Spencer and BSU president and ADB President, Raven, for organizing the event.

Informational Materials at VAPA
Have you checked out our flier, brochure, and new website at www.vapalegacy.com? On the website all of our social media platforms are also linked (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, PodBean, YouTube).

VAPA Extra Mile Awards
The Extra Mile Awards, held on January 26, 2018, honors and celebrates Legacy VAPA students who have gone over and above what is expected in their classes (going the "extra mile") as well as student's high academic achievement. Congratulations to the many award winners!

Water Polo Comes to Legacy
Congratulations, Legacy Lady Tigers Water Polo for just completing their first ever season. It was a tough season, full of great playing, injuries, and goals for and against the Tigers. As I told the girls at their lasgt game, we are all super proud of their work this year. It takes quite a bit of conviction, dedication, and perseverance, to go where no one has gone before. And, they truly did that. Water polo and swimming are new for Legacy, and are off to such a great start. The great teams like Bell Gardens High School, started somewhere, and started at some time. And they are one of the best today. This could be the start of our own Water Polo dynasty for Legacy. And this is the start, the beginning of it all.The rockets are ready. The engines are roaring. The girls are waiting for the whistle. And we are off! Thank you to Coach Kim Giron we’re all her work in starting a new team. And thank you to AD Sanchez and AAD Flores for all their support. Swim Season starts Monday!

Legacy VAPA Overcoming Adversity in Athletics
VAPA Students in All City Band
Congratulations Legacy VAPA Band members Sergio Zarate and Ashley Arellano who represented VAPA and LAUSD, marching in the LAUSD All-City Marching Band in the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade! We are proud of you!

VAPA Students Receive Tech from Sprint
Legacy VAPA is thankful for the generosity of Sprint as recipients of several Chromebooks and WIFI Hotspots for many of our students as part of the Sprint 1Million Project! We are also appreciative of LAUSD’s ITD for their support of the Project! Thank you! Today the devices were issued to students.

Street Artist Partners with Legacy VAPA
Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School students were featured on ABC Television Evening News on February 9, 2018! Thank you to street artist , Kelsie Montague who presented some of her work and had a discussion with VAPA students at the Paseo Shopping Center in South Gate today. The trip will be followed up by a visit to school to meet with more students next week. A super huge thank you to the Arts Education Branch who arranged the trip and VAPA Arts Teacher, Sara Holland and Counselor, Griselda Solis who put the trip together.

Legacy Band at HP and South Gate Parades
Congrats on a fantastic job at the Huntington Park Parade on December 9 and the South Gate Holiday Lane Parade December 11, Marching Band, Color Guard, Short Flags, Cheer, and Royal Steppers Dance Team!

Winter Fest: Dance 2018
Congratulations VAPA Dancers, Choreographers, and Tech and Stage Crew for an amazing Winter Fest (dance) on April 8, 2017! Special thanks to technical director Miguel Delgado and Video Director Nick Adolfo, and especially Director if the Dance program, Marcelo Sanna-Pickett! There was also a Spring Fest music show on December 1, 2017.

VAPA Korean Class Visits Korean Ed Center
Mrs. Cho took her Korean 2 students on a field trip to the Korean Education Center on December 7, 2017. They learned how to make Korean rice cakes and a lantern used in marriage ceremonies.

Elf the Musical Comes to VAPA
Congratulations, cast and crew of Elf the musical, and a big thank you to Ms. Craig and all of the directors! The show ran November 17-19, 2018, at VAPA!

VAPA Performs at LDE Principal Celebration
Congrats, VAPA Choir and ELF Cast, who just performed for the LDE Principals Meeting at ELAC on Dec. 8, 2017!‬ Awesome job! Thank you directors Craig, Kim, and Delgado! You all made us proud! Many nice complements from Superintendent Huerta, School Board President Garcia, and many LDE principals and directors!

VAPA Welcomes New AP
We are excited to welcome new Assistant Principal Terri Grinner The Legacy VAPA family. Ms. Grinner comes to us from Santee High School where she was critical in the development of the school's growth and development. Ms. Grinner comes with expertise in many areas which include: curriculum and instruction design, professional development, professional learning communities, counseling, master scheduling, special education, restorative practices, and parent and community engagement.
Principal's Podcast
Have you missed Dr. Trimis' weekly phone call? Have no fear! You can find the call, plus additional special podcasts, on our website as well as PodBean and i-Tunes!

VAPA Videos
Did you know there are MANY videos of VAPA events on our YouTube channel (Tiger TV). Check them out! Thank you, Mr. Adolfo!

Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School
Dr. Edward Trimis, Principal
Ms. Terri Grinner, Assistant Principal
Ms. Jeina Dadrass, TSP Coordinator/Leadership Advisor
Ines Melendez, SAA 
Local District East
Mr. Jose Huerta, LDE Superintendent
Ms. Christina Rico, Director
LAUSD
Ms. Michelle King, Superintendent
Dr. Ref Rodriguez, School Board Member
Contact
Legacy Visual and Performing Arts High School
www.vapalegacy.com 
5225 Tweedy Bl.
South Gate, CA 
323-357-7531 etrimis@lausd.net
We have space at VAPA! Join us! Enroll through South Gate Zone of Choice and Bell Zone of Choice. Coming soon: District-wide Magnet program and SAS Program!
April 19-21 Aladdin (Spring Musical)
May 3 Community Open House
May 4 Cinco de Mayo Event
May 11 Spring Fest (Vocal Music)
May 18 Spring Feat (Instrumental Music)
May 25 Spring Fest (Dance)
May 30 Senior Recital and Awards Gala
June 7 Senior Graduation

www.vapalegacy.com                        
Legacy Visual and Performing Arts HS:
Preparing students for college, career, and life through the arts.