Director's Note
A Heart Full of Gratitude as the Year Ends at NESA
Dear Parents and Students,
Can you believe it? The final week of the school year has arrived! It feels like just yesterday we were embarking on this journey together. To the parents, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for entrusting me with the most precious gift in your life – your child. And to my students, thank you for entrusting me with your education and your growth.
I've had a few folks ask me how my first year at NESA has been, and I can honestly say I've found my little slice of heaven here! The kindness and talent that radiate from the students in this school make it SO easy to love coming to work each day. If you'll have me, I'll be here until retirement! This year has been a profound learning experience for me, and I can only imagine the wonderful things the years ahead will bring.
The one bittersweet part of this end-of-year transition is saying goodbye to our incredible Seniors. I am deeply grateful to have been a part of their journey, even if just for this one year. This year's Senior Class has been truly phenomenal. They have taught me so much, and I am bursting with anticipation to witness the art they will bring into the world.
What's truly inspiring is the diverse paths these talented individuals are choosing. While some are undoubtedly destined for careers in the arts, others are setting their sights on chemical engineering, firefighting, and even teaching! Regardless of their chosen profession, I know they will always carry the spirit of an artist within them, enriching the world with their unique perspectives and appreciation for beauty.
To the graduating Class of 2025, you are a group of truly amazing human beings, and I am undoubtedly better for having known you. Thank you, each and every one of you, for the indelible mark you've left on my heart and on NESA.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and restful summer break!
Warmly,
Marisol Askey NESA Director
Spotlight
Student Spotlight: The Bright Lights of Cassandra Ortiz
NESA is brimming with talented and inspiring students, and as the year draws to a close, we want to shine a special light on one of our remarkable graduating seniors: Cassandra Ortiz. Cassandra is a vibrant and multifaceted individual who has truly embraced her time at NESA. Get to know this exceptional student a little better!
Tell the public a little bit about yourself.
Hi everyone! My name is Cassandra Ortiz, and I have a few passions that bring a lot of joy to my life. I absolutely love to sing – it's something that's always been a part of me. I'm also a big Disney fan, and my favorite band is Weezer! When I'm not immersed in music or the magic of Disney, you can usually find me hanging out with my amazing friends and family. And in a bit of a surprising twist, I also work as a professional body piercer at a tattoo shop.
How did you find out about NESA and when did you know that you wanted to come here?
My introduction to NESA came right before the last audition of my 8th-grade year. Singing had always been a love of mine, but I had never ventured into the world of theatre. Auditioning for Musical Theatre felt like a shot in the dark, something I had nothing to lose by trying. Having spent most of my life playing sports, this was completely new territory. But there was this undeniable pull, a feeling that this was going to be different.
What is/are your major(s)?
I am a proud double major in Musical Theatre and Dance.
Why did you choose that major?
Singing has always been a huge part of my life, and I knew that combining it with the disciplines of acting and dancing at NESA would be a truly transformative educational experience. I wanted to immerse myself fully in the performing arts.
What is your favorite part about NESA?
Without a doubt, my favorite part about NESA has been the incredible connections and friendships I've made. The people here are truly special.
What are your plans after NESA?
I'm thrilled to share that I plan to continue my Musical Theatre journey at Otterbein University. It's still a bit surreal to think about because before NESA, my future seemed solely focused on sports. But being on Broadway has now become the ultimate goal, the big dream I'm working towards.
Which of your NESA accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of becoming a double major in NESA Dance, especially because I genuinely believed I had no natural talent for it before coming here! Pushing myself to learn and achieve more than I ever thought possible has been so rewarding. It has built so much confidence in me, not just in audition and dance rooms, but in my everyday life.
What is something about you that would surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is that I started piercing at a tattoo shop as an apprentice when I was 16 years old. I've been working there for a year now, and it's become a skill I'm quite good at, which is a pretty cool and niche thing to be doing at this age. Because of my work, I also have 16 piercings, which is a fun fact!
What advice do you have for new NESA students?
My advice for new NESA students is to approach everything with an open mind. There are so many diverse skills to learn and experiences to embrace here. Maintaining a positive outlook will be your best asset. And most importantly, never doubt yourself, because you never truly know what you're capable of achieving.
Cassandra, your dedication, talent, and open spirit have made a significant impact on the NESA community. We are so excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future. Break a leg at Otterbein, and know that your NESA family will be cheering you on every step of the way!
Art of the Week
Art by Alyssa Nasser
Alyssa Nasser is a rising senior, whose recent body of work focuses on painting. Using figures set in magnificent landscapes, Alyssa creates works evoking the sense of joy and peace one finds in nature. Alyssa credits her parents, who've encouraged her love of the outdoors with frequent family trips to our nation's national parks.
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pARTners News
NESA pARTners
Banquet is around the corner, and the NESA pARTners, who have been working around the clock to make this happen, are in need of AAA & AA batteries to truly enchant the forest.
If you would like to help out, you can drop batteries off at the LEE front office care of Ms. Askey or follow this link to donate
BANQUET TICKETS are on sale through 5/20/25, so if you haven't secured yours yet, do so ASAP! You can follow the link above to Banquet tickets