Issue 8  May 5th 2025

Celebrating the Heart and Soul of NESA: Our Incredible Directors!

As Teacher Appreciation Week shines a spotlight on the tireless dedication of educators everywhere, we want to take a moment to celebrate the nine phenomenal directors who lead the way at NESA. These individuals are not just exceptional professionals in their respective fields; they are also deeply caring humans and inspiring teachers who shape the lives of our students every single day.

In no particular order, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Daniel Everidge: With a heart as vast as the stage itself, Daniel directs the acting portion of our Musical Theater Major. His passion and guidance help students discover the depths of their characters and bring stories to life with authenticity and emotion.
• Jordan Bryant: The indispensable partner in crime in our Musical Theater Major, Jordan's breathtaking voice and wonderfully hilarious sense of humor create a vibrant and supportive learning environment for our vocalists. She nurtures their talent and empowers them to find their own unique sound.
• Carolyn Gresham: The epitome of organization and grace, Carolyn, alongside Anthony, forms the dynamic duo leading our Dance Major. Her meticulous approach and thoughtful nature ensure our dancers receive exceptional training and flourish in their artistic expression.
• Anthony Martinez: The other half of the Dance Major powerhouse, Anthony's dedication and insightful guidance complement Carolyn's perfectly. His thoughtful approach and passion for movement inspire our students to push their physical and artistic boundaries.
• Amie Charney: For the Creative Writing Major, Ms. Charney isn't just a teacher; she's a guiding star. Her students look up to her with immense respect and admiration as she cultivates their voices and empowers them to craft compelling narratives.
• Connor Towns: Our incredibly talented Instrumental Music Director, Mr. Towns, cares deeply about each and every one of his students. He fosters a spirit of exploration, encouraging them to venture beyond their comfort zones into the exciting realms of composition and contemporary music, alongside their classical foundations.
• Shauna Villarreal: A brilliant and visionary addition to our NESA family, Ms. Villarreal is igniting the passion of our film program students. Her innovative approach and insightful guidance are shaping the next generation of cinematic storytellers.
• Jessica Gonzales: More than just an art teacher, Ms. Gonzales is a mentor who empowers her students in the Visual Arts Major to discover and embrace their unique artistic voices. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, providing invaluable real-world experience through student-run and professional gallery exhibitions.
• Lindsay Mikulski The very glue that binds our NESA community together, Ms. M's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have recently been recognized with a Superintendent's Award. Her impact extends far and wide, touching the lives of students and staff across our campus and district.

These nine individuals embody the spirit of exceptional teaching. They are not only masters of their craft but also compassionate mentors who inspire, challenge, and believe in our students. Their dedication goes far beyond the curriculum, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Furthermore, we know that many of our wonderful NESA parents are educators themselves. From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our warmest wishes for a truly wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week to each and every one of you. Thank you for your incredible work and dedication to shaping young minds!