OATA Closes the Curtain on a High Note with Little Red Goes West
Last week, the Orcutt Academy Theatre Arts (OATA) program wrapped up the school year with their spring production of Little Red Goes West. This original western melodrama, written by F.C. Shaw, blended the tales of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs into one witty, whimsical showdown in the town of Nursery Springs.
Directed by Michael Shaw, choreographed by OA and PCPA alum Justin Roslinda, and captured by photographer David Dubransky, the show brought laughter, heart, and a whole lot of cowboy flair to the OAHS stage.
This production marked more than the end of a season—it was a celebration of growth, creativity, and the strong foundation OATA seniors have helped build.
From the director:
“I am sadly saying goodbye to a great group of seniors: a hardworking and dedicated technical crew of amazing collaborators and creatives, and an enthusiastic cast of actors that joined me in many firsts over the past four years: our first open-air show, our first show with masks, our first full musical, our first touring show, our first straight drama, our first show in the new gym, our first time on stage at Hancock College, and probably many more firsts I have since counted as 'the norm'. They have been with me through so many new experiences, and I am grateful for their years of dedication. So this spring, as they trail off into the sunset and into their own new horizons, I wish them happy trails!” – Michael Shaw, OATA Director
All photos are courtesy of David Dubransky. The full gallery is available for viewing and purchasing here:
Thank you to all who continue to support the arts at OAHS—your enthusiasm helps keep the stage alive and well!
Spartans Advance to CIF Division 5 Championship
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Softball team, who are headed to the CIF Division 5 Championship after three big postseason wins!
In the first round of CIF, they defeated Rosamund High School, 9-2. Then this past Tuesday, May 20, the Spartans delivered a dominant 14-0 victory over California City High School, setting the tone for a strong playoff run.
Then on Thursday, May 22, they faced off against the Hoover Patriots in a hard-fought CIF Semifinal. The game remained scoreless until the top of the 5th, when a key defensive stop helped shut down a Hoover rally. In the bottom of the inning, the Spartans led off with a triple to left and scored the game's only run on a wild pitch and defensive error, securing the 1-0 win.
Let's cheer on our Spartans as they head into the finals- we're so proud of you!
PTSA Bringing Excitement to Science!
After a successful (and somewhat explosive) Thermal Protection System Challenge, Mr. Fredriks, Ayden Brockway, and Krysta Cotter presented the experience of Orcutt Academy’s Geology and Physics classes to OA’s PTSA. Without the PTSA’s financial support the project wouldn’t have been possible! The presentation gave a brief but informative summary to the board members about the purpose of the project and the days leading up to it. It gained a lot of positive feedback, so hopefully our future Spartans can experience this thrilling challenge in the years to come!
ASB SPOTLIGHTS
This week’s Senior Spotlight shines on Chrislaina Anderson, the Class of 2025 Valedictorian!
Chrislaina has made an incredible impact at OAHS both in and out of the classroom. She’s been a dual enrollment student since her freshman year who earned her Associate’s Degree with high honors from Allan Hancock College at just 15 years old, making her the youngest graduate at the time.
She currently serves as Class President, is the co-founder and President of the Aviation Club, and is active in Medife. In the classroom, she’s earned Spartan Achievement Awards in U.S. History, Biology, and Success.
Chrislaina is also a dedicated musician, having been in Band for four years, serving as Assistant Drum Major last year and Drum Major this year, and playing in Jazz Band for three years—first on trumpet, now on piano.
Her favorite part of OA is the tight-knit community and the strong relationships she's built with staff and classmates. Her favorite memories come from band performances and post-game hangs with friends, and her favorite class is—no surprise—Band with Ms. Coburn.
Her advice to freshmen? Get involved—but do it for yourself. Whether or not college is part of your plan, jump in, try new things, and make the most of every opportunity.
We’re incredibly proud of you, Chrislaina!
This week, ASB is also putting a spotlight on our amazing foreign exchange students who have been a meaningful part of the OAHS community this year.
Allessandro Cacciagrano (Italy), Constanca Navalho (Portugal), Benedikt Roehrich (Germany), and Miguel Perez Inigo (Spain) have brought energy, perspective, and friendship to our campus, and we’ve loved having them as Spartans.
Hosting foreign exchange students has become a special tradition at OA. These students bring global perspectives to our classrooms, share their cultures, and remind us of the value of curiosity, connection, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. In turn, they leave with lasting memories and friendships that cross borders.
Thank you, Allesandro, Constanca, Benedikt, and Miguel, for being part of the Spartan family—we’re better because of you!
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