WALNUT, CA – MAY 28, 2008 – The stage is set as 1954 Korea -- right after the Korean Conflict. More than 85 5th – 7th grade students at Ybarra Academy of the Arts and Technology have been involved in the school’s first original musical production, “A Long Journey Home.” Completely student written, this historical fiction story is of one girl’s journey to America and the beginning of international adoption. The production is on June 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and tickets are $8. Proceeds will go towards raising funds for the school’s Wonder of Reading Library and also Holt International.
“The students did extensive research on Holt International, which is an amazing story on one of the first couples who adopted eight children from Korea,” said teacher Lori Galt, who is the director of the production. “We even have an actual costume being flown in from Korea! A grandmother of one of our students is coming from Korea to see the show. I am really proud of what the students have accomplished.”
The team of 6th grade student writers who wrote the approximate one hour production is Sebastian Allen, Delilah Morfin and Edmond Ong. Major roles are being played by 6th grade students: Joslyn Castillo – the girl; Amanda Phan – the mother; Hyunji Ahn – the Aunt; Vincent Edwards – Harry Holt; Brianna Gomez – Bertha Holt;
Ybarra Academy is one of the highest performing schools in the Rowland Unified School District, with an API score of 893 and the only school to receive a “10” on both Statewide and Similar Schools Rankings that were just released by the state. This is the first year that Ybarra Academy of the Arts and Technology is a K-8 school. Ybarra is in the process of training teachers in the International Baccalaureate/Primary Years Program (IB/PYP). IB/PYP is a program geared for elementary-aged students that strives to foster children with strong international perspectives.
Ybarra Academy is located at 1300 Brea Canyon Cut-Off Road, Walnut. For more information, please contact Principal Annette Ramirez or Lori Galt at (909) 598-3744.