Issue 27  November 17th 2025

Director's Note

🦃 Jumping on the Gratitude Bandwagon! 🧡

OK, guys, it is November, so I feel like I have to... no, strike that... I GET to jump on the gratitude bandwagon! And if there is a wagon full of people showing positivity and gratitude, sign me up!

This is my second November at NESA, and we just finished the incredible run of Guys and Dolls. I am exhausted, but my heart is so full and happy. And I know I am definitely not the only one feeling this way.

Our fantastic students who acted in and played the music for Guys and Dolls are exhausted. The plethora of parents who ran concessions, show meals, the online auction, and backstage support are exhausted. The Directors, who have been here every night with your kiddos, are exhausted.

And yes, I left one group off for a reason: The unsung heroes of every show, our Tech students... THEY ARE EXHAUSTED! As soon as the theater let out yesterday, they pulled out the power tools and started to strike the set. By the end of the day today, the pit covers will be back on, and the stage will have no traces of Guys and Dolls left. It will start looking a lot like we will be "Steppin' into the Holidays" soon!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "You said you were going to talk about gratitude, and all I am reading about is how exhausted everyone is."

Yup. That is the first thing that I am grateful for: our collective exhaustion.

We have truly found our people when so many of us are working this hard together in joy, laughter, and sometimes even in costume, all to further the arts. While we are exhausted, our hearts are full and happy. This is the mark of a passionate and thriving community.

I am profoundly grateful for the entire NESA community:

• One incredible Booster Club

• Seven inspiring Majors

• Eleven dedicated employees

• Three Hundred (ish) astonishing students

• Countless parents, grandparents, and loved ones supporting us every step of the way.

I have found my home, and it truly is heaven here.

I was talking to a parent this weekend about how hard work will beat out talent any day of the week, but when a student has the talent AND they put in the work, they are unstoppable. This describes our NESA students to a T. They have so much talent, and are never afraid to put in the hard work. I am grateful to be a part of a community that fosters this kind of commitment.

Time to Reset I am also grateful that we get the next week off to reset, recharge, and visit with family, both genetic and chosen. I am very lucky in that I still have three of my four grandparents, who are all in their 90s! I am looking forward to spending time with them (and don't let the 90s fool you—my Grandfather can still beat me in a footrace!).

So please take the rest of this month and join in on the gratitude bandwagon. Trust me, there is room for you!

Please note that there will not be a newsletter next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!