“Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”
It’s a tradition at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics to read that Dr. Seuss book to seniors on their last day of school. It’s a way to send their students into the world on an encouraging note.
But sometimes, a little financial help is just what the doctor ordered.
For VSAA seniors, that can mean money for painting supplies or studio time. Now some alumni are marking the 20th anniversary of the school with a performance to benefit its up-and-coming artists.
Spenser Theberge, who has been dancing in Europe since 2009, said that it’s a chance to give back for the help he’s gotten along the way.
“I could list so many names and organizations,” said Theberge, a 2005 VSAA grad who went on to Juilliard. “It wasn’t just money, it was encouragement and trust in my future.”
Malia Cortez, a singer, said it took her two years to complete her first album: “I had to save money and buy chunks of studio time in between working.”
Cortez and Theberge are among more than a dozen graduates scheduled to return to the Royal Durst Theater stage for Saturday’s benefit.
Proceeds will benefit the Oh, The Places You’ll Go Fund in memory of Micaela Pewo, a class of 2009 graduate who died in 2014. Her family has decided to honor her memory by offering outstanding VSAA seniors the chance the pursue their passions, said alum Colleen Kimsey, who is organizing the 20th anniversary benefit.
The fund will allow seniors to request funding for the many expenses that make up a working artist’s life, including practice space, gas for the band van and art supplies.
“Every artist involved is donating their work, which is a huge gift from working professionals trying to make a living,” Kimsey said.
Kimsey met Pewo — she was Micaela Grover back then — about 14 years ago.
“She sincerely cared about a lot of things,” and she drew so well “you did double takes,” Kimsey said.
“It makes me happy to think about high school seniors for years to come thinking about who she was as they fill out a scholarship application to get closer to their dreams,” Kimsey said.
Scheduled participants include: Safi Karmy-Jones, comedian; Sara Morris, singer-songwriter; Aubrey Jessen and Ellery Jessen, playwright/actor; Reva Keller, videographer; Briley Jozwiak, dancer; Malia Cortez, singer; Caitlin Smith and Sam Armstrong, Tinsel Whiskers electronica band; the Shivas, Jared Molyneux, Kristin Leonard and Eric Shanafelt; Spenser Theberge, dancer; Kevin F. Pietilä, TV producer and editor; Stephanie Bivins, vocalist; Jason Nguyen, comedian and Colleen Kimsey, poet.
