Director's Note
The "Art" of the Future Career
As we move deeper into the semester and our campus buzzes with the sound of orchestras tuning, the smell of sawdust in the shop, and the quiet focus of the galleries, I’ve been thinking about a question that often lingers in the minds of both students and parents: “I love the arts, but if I am considering a job outside of the arts, how does this work prepare me for the 'real world'?”
In 2026, the answer is more exciting than ever. We are living in an era where technical data can be processed by an algorithm, but the "Artistic Literacy" your students are developing across our seven majors cannot be automated.
The NESA Toolkit: More Than a Performance
Whether a student is behind a camera, at a pottery wheel, or center stage, they are "cross-training" their brains for a rapidly changing workforce.
- Cinema & Visual Arts students aren't just making media; they are mastering Visual Communication and the ability to curate a narrative—skills essential in every modern industry.
- Creative Writing & Musical Theatre students are becoming masters of Empathy and Storytelling, learning how to connect with an audience and move people to action.
- Instrumental Music & Dance students are practicing Extreme Discipline and Precision, understanding that "good enough" is never the goal when excellence is within reach.
- Technical Theatre students are perhaps the ultimate Problem Solvers, learning to build worlds from scratch and pivot instantly when a mechanical challenge arises in real-time.
Why "Hire an Arts Kid"?
I recently came across a fantastic clip of Josh Groban speaking about why the world needs students just like ours. He argues that the grit, collaboration, and resilience forged in the arts are exactly what employers are looking for today.
Watch: Josh Groban on why you should "Hire a Theater Kid" (and every arts student!)
The Career-Proof Student
The courage required to share a poem, the stamina to finish a film edit, and the grace to take a critique and apply it instantly—these are the "career-proof" skills of the future.
So, as the rehearsals get longer and the portfolios grow, remember: we aren't just training performers and creators. We are training the creative architects, the disciplined leaders, and the empathetic innovators of tomorrow.
Keep Creating 🖤🤍🖤🤍
Spotlight
NESA’s Own Isabella Cervera Named a Texas Young Master
There are students who perform, and then there are students who truly shine. At the North East School of the Arts (NESA), we are bursting with pride to announce that Isabella Cervera has been officially recognized as a Texas Young Master, receiving a prestigious grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas Cultural Trust.
A Voice That Won’t Stop
To hear Isabella sing is to experience something truly special. She possesses a voice that "just won’t stop"—a powerhouse of range, emotion, and technical skill that leaves audiences breathless. But Isabella isn’t just a vocalist; she is a phenomenal actress who brings depth and nuance to every role she touches.
Most recently, NESA audiences saw her command the stage as Sarah Brown in our production of Guys and Dolls. Her portrayal of the "Mission Doll" showcased not only her vocal prowess but her ability to capture the heart and transformation of a complex character.
Infectious Joy and Genuine Kindness
While her talent on stage is undeniable, it is Isabella’s character off-stage that makes her a truly remarkable member of our community. She is, quite simply, one of the most genuinely kind and happy humans you will ever meet.
Everyone who knows Isabella can attest to her infectious joy. Whether she is in a grueling rehearsal or walking through the halls between classes, she carries a light with her that lifts everyone around her. It is this combination of world-class talent and a beautiful spirit that makes her so deserving of the Young Master title.
A Prestigious Honor
The Texas Young Masters program is a highly competitive state grant program that provides assistance to talented young artists to help them pursue advanced study in their discipline. Out of the many talented students across the state, Isabella was chosen because she represents the very best of the next generation of Texas artists.
We at NESA are so incredibly proud of Isabella. We have always seen her brilliance, and we are thrilled that the rest of Texas now sees it, too.
Read More About Isabella’s Journey
We encourage everyone in our community to read more about this wonderful achievement and Isabella’s journey in this featured story by KENS5:
👉 San Antonio Student Named Texas Young Master: Isabella Cervera
Please join us in congratulating Isabella! We cannot wait to see where her incredible voice and spirit take her next.
Alumni in the Spotlight
NESA Alumna Spotlight: Belleza Mitchell Takes a Bite Out of the Big Apple
At the North East School of the Arts (NESA), we take immense pride in watching our graduates turn their high school dreams into professional realities. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Belleza Mitchell (Class of 2019), whose incredible journey from our studios to the stages of New York City was recently featured in the San Antonio Express-News.
From San Antonio to New York City
Since graduating from NESA and later earning her degrees from Southern Methodist University, Belleza has been making a significant mark on the national dance scene. Currently in her third season with the acclaimed New York-based company Ballet Nepantla, Belleza is proof that the foundation laid right here in San Antonio can take you anywhere.
A Powerful Homecoming
Belleza recently returned to her roots for a special performance of Valentina at the Carver Community Cultural Center. The production, which explores the stories of women during the Mexican Revolution, allowed Belleza to showcase the technical precision and emotional depth our community remembers so well from her time at NESA.
Beyond the stage, Belleza is also a force for good, co-founding the Finding Compassion choreography festival to raise money for vital charitable organizations.
Why We’re Proud
Belleza represents the heart of the NESA spirit: a commitment to artistic excellence, a deep respect for cultural heritage, and a drive to give back to the community. Whether she is performing in the "Big Apple" or teaching the next generation of dancers, she carries the pride of San Antonio with her.
We encourage everyone to read the full, heart-warming story of Belleza’s rise—including the touching way her mother helped her land her first major New York gig—in the San Antonio Express-News:
Congratulations, Belleza! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see where your talent takes you next.
Photo Credit: Javier Vela / San Antonio Express-News
Tue
Mar 24
- American Diabetes Alert Day
American Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday of March and this year, it falls on March 24. It is aimed at raising awareness about the risks and symptoms associated with diabetes among the American public. The holiday is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes occurs when the body’s blood glucose level is too high. This is caused by a deficiency in the insulin produced by the body, which is the hormone that lets glucose enter cells and be used as energy. Excess glucose in the blood can lead to several health problems. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Fr
Mar 27
- World Theatre Day
World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27. Designated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961, this day celebrates the essence, beauty, and importance of theatre arts, their significant role in entertainment, and the symbolic impact that theatre has on life. This day also serves to inform governments, politicians, institutions, and stakeholders around the world who have not yet realized the value of theatre to the people and its potential for economic growth.
Sat
Coming Soon
Coming soon
- April 1 pARTners Meeting (no fooling!)
- April 2 Film Concert
- April 3 In Full Bloom Art Show Opens at the Legacy Historic Art Gallery
- April 10-12 Footnotes
- April 17-19 Creative Writing Play Offs!
- April 18 NESA Auditions
- April 18 Prom
- April 30, May 1-3 Grease
- May 8 Multiples Art Show and SALE!
- May 15 Senior Instrumental Music Concert
- May 16 800 LB Film Festival
- May 21 NESA Banquet
- May 24 (THIS IS A SUNDAY) Graduation
- June 5 Senior Perspectives Art Show @Tethered in Blue Star
pARTners News
pARTners
Banquet is Thursday, May 21. We are accepting pictures for the slideshow. Please send your pictures to nesapartnersphotos@gmail.com
News and links
Senior Corner
🎓 The Final Countdown: Graduation Gear & Signing Day!
Can you believe it? You are officially in the final term of your high school journey! You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and the finish line is in sight. You’ve got this!
🏆 Announcing: NESA Signing Day 2026!
Due to the massive success of last year’s event, we are doing it again! We’re opening up timeslots before school on May 13 & 14 in the PAC.
How to secure your spot:
The Form: Fill out the attached Google Form to let Ms. Askey know you’re interested.
The Proof: Bring Ms. Askey proof of your college/university acceptance. (This is an official NEISD policy—I’m sure there’s a fascinating story behind why that rule exists, but I’m not privy to it! 🕵️♂️)
The Slot: Once you show your proof, I’ll send you the SignUpGenius link to grab your official timeslot.
Your Table, Your Style: We provide the tables in the PAC; you are responsible for bringing, setting up, breaking down, and cleaning up your decorations. Let’s make them look spectacular!
👔 The "New Alumni" Gear Bundle
To get you ready for the big stage, it’s time to order your NESA Graduation Stole.
- The Stole ($20): This year’s batch is special! We’ve upgraded to premium embroidered stoles that look incredible. (Note: A stole is required for the ceremony. If you have an old one from a former NESA grad, you can use that—but these new ones are super cool.)
- The Alumni Tee (Only $10!): These are usually $25, but since you’re about to become our newest alumni, you can snag one for just $10 when you buy it with your stole.
- How to pay: Use your SchoolCash account, or bring cash/check to Mr. Rodarte.
❤️ Supporting Our Seniors
We want every single student to walk the stage with pride.
- Need a hand? If the cost is a barrier, please come chat with Ms. Askey. No one will walk the stage sans NESA stole because of financial difficulties.
- Want to sponsor a peer? You are the best! There is a donation spot on SchoolCash to sponsor a senior who may be struggling. You can also bring funds to Mr. Rodarte.
- Note: If you want to sponsor a specific student, let Ms. Askey or Mr. Rodarte know. It stays confidential unless you tell us otherwise!
NESA Summer PE
Summer PE is right around the corner! Current information is still tentative so NOT YET SET IN STONE but I want to give you as much info as early as possible.
We are looking at a start date of June 8, and an end date of June 30.
Time is 8AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday.
Cost will be around 300$.
We will meet in front of the PAC
If you are interested, sign up on the linked google form
Prom
Click the link for more info on LEE Prom
- Theme- A Night in the Bayou
- Saturday April 18 7:30-10:30 PM
- Red Oak Ballroom
- Tickets 40-45$ Presale only. NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR
- Off Campus Guests must be a high school student or former LEE/ISA/NESA/STEM student under the age of 21 with an approved form (can be picked up in the LEE main office)
