The Orange County Register announced the semifinalists for the 2025 OC Artist of the Year awards, and eight CUSD students were among the honorees.
For each discipline — theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, film and TV, fine arts and media arts — 112 semifinalists were chosen by a panel of arts teachers from among 923 nominees based on applications, performance videos, art portfolios, film samples and artistic résumés. During the semifinals, students are invited to be interviewed by a panel of distinguished artistic professionals and faculty members from Southern California colleges. Interviews include a live presentation by the student followed by a conversation with the student.
Of the 112 semifinalists, up to 28 finalists will be identified, four in each discipline, and announced on April 27.
Name | School | Category |
Delila Kooiman | Capistrano Valley | Dance |
Ella Smallwood | San Juan Hills | Dance |
Devynn Smark | San Juan Hills | Dance |
Melania J. Velazquez | San Juan Hills | Dance |
Addison Engelken | Tesoro | Theater |
Caitlyn Willoughby | Tesoro | Theater |
Jackson Olsen | Tesoro | Instrumental Music |
Ava Gange-Brown | Tesoro | Vocal Music |