While some children may have been new to creative arts and theater going into a West Covina summer academy, they all left with new talents by the end of the program.

The Rowland Heights School District held a Summer Arts and Summer Theater Academy at Hollingworth Elementary School that introduced students to the world of music, dance, arts and theater.

For the past four weeks, children from West Covina, Walnut and other cities around the San Gabriel Valley spent their mornings and afternoons learning about foundational skills under the direction of Music Director and 2011 BRAVO Award winner Laura Tovar and five other art and performing arts teachers from the district.

"The kids got to experience a creative rebirth in the academy," Tovar said. "They haven't been able to use their creative muscles until now. (Their) growth in just three weeks is three years' worth."

The Summer Arts Academy capped off its program with a gallery night and performance on June 30. The Summer Theater Academy will wrap up with an "Aladdin Jr." play at 7 p.m. tonight in Hollingworth's cafeteria.

First-time academy participants Briana Garjeda, 11, and Maya Vazquez, 11, said they enjoyed the benefits of learning more about art.

"It's really fun and better than school because you get to learn a lot more about art and watch other kids achieve their goals in the classes," Briana said.

Aside from singing, Maya said her favorite part about being in the academy was getting to understand the different notes and skills that are involved in the craft. 

The cost to participate in the academy ranged from $180 to $200. The summer program has been around for the past 14 years.

Many children in the academy return each summer. Tovar said several of them return to volunteer and go on to participating in high school bands, drama and other art-based activities.

"It's very fun and I got to express myself when I learned to dance," 6-year-old Jullian Serur said. "The best part is showing my mom what I learned."

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