Student talent and teamwork were on full display as the Fullerton School District hosted its second annual K-pop Battle of the Bands, drawing hundreds of families and staff to cheer on five junior high teams in the energetic competition.
After months of preparation, a group of Nicolas Junior High students took top honors, owning the stage with their performance of “Little Miss” by K-pop group Girlset. The team wowed judges with their choreography, vocals and stage presence, earning them the competition title and a place in event history.
More than 100 students auditioned at the start of the nearly six-month program, with finalists advancing through multiple rounds to form five-member groups representing Beechwood and Fisler Schools, along with Ladera Vista, Nicolas and Parks junior high schools.
Through weekly rehearsals, students learned from K-pop vocal and dance master classes and hands-on workshops while exploring elements of Korean culture, from traditional dance and instruments to making gimbap, a traditional Korean roll. The experience gave students the chance to bond with teammates, build confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for another culture.
“K-pop gives our students the chance to connect with and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of our growing Korean community in Fullerton, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in them as both performers and learners,” said Phil Ling, director of educational services at Fullerton School District.
Other standout moments included a five-member band from Fisler School earning recognition for best vocals, while a team from Parks Junior High was honored for best dance.
Seventh-grader Alani from the winning Nicolas Junior High team said experience was about more than just the final performance.
“I’m excited that we were able to make these memories together as a team,” she said. “I’ve loved learning more about Korean culture, dance and singing, and I’ve grown so much by working with my teachers and coaches. It’s an amazing feeling to know our school is now part of K-pop Battle of the Bands history.”
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- A stretch of Hoover Street in Westminster has been redesigned as an outdoor classroom that’s dedicated to the landmark case of Mendez et al. v. Westminster. The Mendez Freedom Trail will share the story of the school segregation case and its impact on future court decisions.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts President and CEO Casey Reitz recently joined the FutureCurrent podcast with County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean to discuss how expanding youth involvement in the arts can provide students with a sense of hope while building their confidence and connections.
- A paraeducator from OCDE’s Sunburst Youth Academy has been named California’s 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year in the Paraprofessional Services category and was also selected as the state nominee for the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award.
- The OC Arts and Disability Festival will mark its 50th anniversary on April 25 as students and adult artists come together to perform and host interactive art activities amid a community resource fair for local families.
- The Fullerton School District has named Dr. Gretchen Janson as its next superintendent, with her appointment taking effect on July 1 as she transitions from her current role as assistant superintendent in the Lynwood Unified School District.
- The Westminster School District has launched a free after-school Scouts pilot program, leading students in activities that build leadership skills and character development.
- Orange County schools are being invited to apply for a new STEM grant — offered by OCDE, Hyundai Motor America and the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation — aimed at supporting engaging, student-centered projects that promote exploration and innovation.
- Through Santiago Canyon College’s Early College Academy, Orange High School junior Estefany Caballero has found success as a student athlete — juggling her CIF state champion wrestling career with a 4.4 GPA and transferable college credits.
- Two Orange County student-athletes have committed to play flag football at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, becoming part of a historic recruiting class as the sport continues to grow at the collegiate level.
- A new student-supported assembly bill would aim to address the impact of social media and AI on youth mental health through digital wellness classes and stronger protections.
- According to recent data from EducationWeek, more than 2,100 schools in 26 states implemented a four-day school week into their 2024-25 academic calendars with varying reviews from students and staff.
- The current administration has issued new priorities for federal education grants that emphasize artificial intelligence including updated requirements for K–12 grant proposals focused on AI-related instruction and tools.
- Educators across California are reexamining lesson plans on Cesar Chavez following recent allegations, prompting discussions about how schools should approach historical figures in the classroom.
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