Orcutt Academy students continue to take advantage of the many opportunities available both on and off campus. From music workshops and design competitions to career pathway events and welcoming the next generation of Spartans, it has been another week full of learning, creativity, and student leadership!

Below are a few highlights from the past week.

Last week, OAHS Choir students traveled to Anaheim to participate in a Disney Imagination Campus Music Recording Workshop. Students worked with a professional conductor and vocalist while learning about storytelling through song, strengthening musicianship skills, and recording two newly learned pieces.

Despite the 95-degree heat, the trip was a memorable experience filled with collaboration, learning, and team bonding.

If you would like to hear the music our students worked on, be sure to attend the Spartan Showcase on May 6 in the OAHS Gym. Students interested in joining choir next year are encouraged to speak with their counselor. No prior experience is necessary!

Orcutt Academy High School had 14 student architects participate in the 35th Annual Santa Barbara County Architectural Design Competition. This year’s challenge asked students to design a Central Coast home for the year 2046, and our students responded with a wide variety of creative ideas and solutions.

We are especially proud to recognize Grace Oberg, Nicolle Lugo Velandia, and Kira Grama, who were selected as finalists in the competition. On Saturday, they presented their designs at a juried review featuring 12 finalists from across Santa Barbara County, and each received a $75 award from the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara.

Special thanks to Guidance Technician Angie Dana for accompanying our students to the event and to the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara for organizing this outstanding opportunity for local high school students!

Over the past several weeks, OAHS students have competed in SkillsUSA regional competitions, and we are proud to report that 8 of our 11 competitors qualified for the State Conference in Ontario during spring break.

Maddy Dungan

Lennon Egan

Jordan Johnson

Alan Macias

Lillie Reed

Savannah Belunza

Adolfo Pozos Carrasco

Alex Greco

Additional OAHS competitors included:

Kyle Richardson

Soleil Vela

Mara Richardson

Congratulations to all of our students who participated and represented OAHS so well and a special thank you to Ms. Heather Penk for leading the way as advisor for these students!

OAHS welcomed many of our newest Spartans this week as incoming ninth graders and their families visited campus for course registration. Students met with staff to select classes and begin planning their high school journey.

Several campus organizations — including Freshman Connect Crew, Robotics, PTSA, and other student groups — were also present to introduce incoming students to the many opportunities available at OAHS.

We look forward to officially welcoming the Class of 2030 to the Spartan Family this fall!

This week’s Senior Spotlight is Maddie Dungan! Maddie has been a member of the Robotics team all four years, currently serving as the team’s Outreach Lead. She has also participated in SkillsUSA for three years, Technical Theatre for two years, and has served as Band Manager for three years while also playing trombone.

Her accomplishments include being nominated by the Robotics program as a FIRST California Dean’s List Finalist in 2025, serving as Stage Manager for the production of Romeo and Juliet, completing 245 hours of community service, and receiving the Spartan Achievement Award for Technical Theatre.

Congratulations, Maddie!

Sincerely,

Rhett Carter