NESA Weekly Update

Director's Note

The Finish Line is in Sight! NESA Navigates the End of the Year

The air is buzzing with excitement and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia here at NESA as we barrel towards the end of another incredible year! From celebratory milestones for our graduating seniors to exciting opportunities for our returning students, there's a lot happening as we cross the finish line.

To Our Amazing Seniors:

The moment you've all been working towards is almost here! Graduation is just around the corner, and we're thrilled to announce that every single graduating senior will walk the stage adorned with a distinguished silver stole.

You have two options regarding your stole:

Purchase your own for just $20 (our cost!) and keep it as a memento of your NESA journey. If you'd like to purchase your stole, please pay mr. Rodarte, then stop by Askey's office to pick it up. (I really want my table back! 😂)
Borrow a stole for the graduation ceremony completely FREE of charge. These borrowed stoles will be distributed during graduation rehearsal.

Don't miss out on another opportunity to show your NESA pride! Our awesome NESA Alumni shirts are still available for purchase for only $10! But hurry, this offer ends this week!

Attention Underclassmen:

Get a head start on your PE credits with our Summer PE sign-ups, which are in full swing! Secure your spot by filling out this form and bringing your payment (cash or check preferred) to Mr. Rodarte. We've encountered some technical difficulties with the credit card link, but here it is so if you wish to pay with a card,and have issues finding the correct item please call Mr. Rodarte directly at 210-356-1033, and he'll be happy to assist you.

Exciting news for next year's transportation! NEISD Transportation is implementing a new system for our magnet bus routes. If you plan on utilizing a magnet bus from another NEISD high school next year, you MUST sign up to help them plan routes and staffing effectively. What's even better is that students who live out of district can now sign up for pickup at an in-district high school if it's a more convenient option than traveling directly to NESA. Please remember, you can only choose one pickup location, so choose wisely! Here is the link to sign up Please fill it in even if your answer is no.

Important Reminder Regarding Hours:

For all students, please be aware that if you have accumulated more than 9 absences in any class this semester, you are required to make up those missed hours. Please see Askey to obtain the necessary make-up hour sheet.

Let's finish this year strong, celebrate our seniors, and prepare for an exciting future at NESA! Keep an eye out for more end-of-year updates.

Spotlight

NESA's Dynamic Duo: Saying So Long to Beloved Co-Presidents Brendan Koepke and Alyssa Flores!

Get ready to shed a few (happy-sad!) tears, NESA community! As the school year winds down, we're preparing to bid farewell to two truly exceptional leaders who have poured their hearts and souls into making our Northeast School of the Arts an even more incredible place: the phenomenal co-presidents of the NESA Council, Brendan Koepke and Alyssa Flores!

For the past year, Brendan and Alyssa have been an unstoppable force, championing the needs and voices of their fellow NESA students. Their dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit have left an undeniable mark on our school, and the thought of them graduating feels bittersweet. We had the chance to sit down with these two shining stars to learn a little more about their NESA journeys and future aspirations. Prepare to be inspired!

Meet the Marvelous Minds!

Brendan introduces himself with a fun fact: "Hi I'm Brendan and this is my 4th year at NESA and I love to eat Hot Pockets!" Meanwhile, Alyssa shares her stellar fandom: "Hi I'm Alyssa and this is my 4th year at NESA and I love Star Wars!" Right off the bat, their vibrant personalities shine through!

The NESA Spark: How It All Began

What drew these incredible individuals to our beloved arts school? For Brendan, it was a touch of theatrical magic. "I came to see Mary Poppins at NESA a long time ago and I knew from that moment on I wanted to come here." Talk about a captivating first impression! Alyssa's connection was a bit more familial. "I found out about NESA through my older sister who was a dance major at the time, and I knew I wanted to come here because she loved and cherished her time at NESA." It's clear that the NESA magic is contagious!

Passion in Practice: Majors and Motivations

Brendan has embraced the spotlight, diving headfirst into a "Musical Theater and Dance double major." His reasoning is simple and heartfelt: "I always had a passion for performing and I knew that these majors would help me get better at that." We've certainly seen that passion ignite on our stages! Alyssa, on the other hand, finds her creative outlet behind the scenes, majoring in "Technical Theater." She explains, "I chose Technical Theater because it allows me to express my creativity in a practical way that contributes to the rest of the community at NESA." Her invaluable contributions have ensured countless smooth and spectacular productions.

The Heart of NESA: Favorite Moments

When asked about their favorite aspect of NESA, both Brendan and Alyssa echoed the sentiment of community. Brendan cherishes "the people here that give you support, and the friendships that I have built from being here." Similarly, Alyssa highlights "the close bonds that I formed over my time here." It's evident that the strong connections forged within the walls of NESA are truly special.

Bright Futures Ahead: Post-NESA Plans

The future is looking incredibly bright for these two! Brendan is heading to the University of Oklahoma to pursue a "BFA in Musical Theatre." We can't wait to see him shine on a bigger stage! Alyssa is taking a slightly different path, venturing into the world of science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as a "Chemical Engineering Major." Talk about impressive versatility!

Proudest Achievements: Leaving a Legacy

Looking back at their time at NESA, both Brendan and Alyssa have accomplished so much. Brendan fondly remembers his time on stage and behind it: "My proudest NESA accomplishment was getting to play Patrick Star and also assistant directing The SpongeBob Musical together." What a fin-tastic achievement! Alyssa takes pride in her leadership in a crucial role: "I am most proud of stage managing Once Upon a Mattress in my Junior year, because it was the first show that I ever stage managed and I was able to take on a leadership role in a way that I never had before." A true testament to her organizational prowess and leadership skills!

Surprising Secrets!

Time for some fun revelations! Brendan confessed, "I am extremely obsessed with award shows." Keep an eye out for him at the Oscars someday! Alyssa shared a hidden talent: "I took dance classes for 9 years!" A true artist through and through!

Words of Wisdom: Advice for Future NESA Stars

Finally, Brendan and Alyssa offered some invaluable advice for those just beginning their NESA journeys. Brendan encourages, "Be kind to everyone, and don't be the person that you wouldn't want to work with." Wise words to live by! Alyssa emphasizes self-acceptance: "Try not to get caught up in what other people think, always try to stay true to yourself." Powerful advice for navigating the high school years and beyond.

Brendan Koepke and Alyssa Flores, thank you for your incredible leadership, your unwavering dedication, and the positive impact you've had on the entire NESA community. While we'll miss your presence dearly, we are so excited to see all the amazing things you will undoubtedly achieve in the future. You will always have a home here at NESA!