Weekly roundup: Estancia High debuts performing arts venue, National Merit Scholarship semifinalists named, and more

Come November, Estancia High School drama students will bring Disney’s “Frozen” to life on the brand-new stage of the school’s Performing Arts Center — the first production in a venue designed to elevate students’ creativity and talent.

On Tuesday, more than 200 community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Newport-Mesa Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith, school board members and Estancia Principal Michael Halt. State and local officials also attended to recognize the milestone for the campus.

The two-story, 46,000-square-foot facility houses a 350-seat mainstage theater — named for longtime Estancia educator and former drama teacher Pauline Maranian — as well as a 150-seat black box theater for smaller productions. Guided by advanced drama students, visitors explored then center’s modern features including a prop storage room, a manager’s office, sound and lighting control booths, lobby and box office concessions, and dressing rooms.

“I can’t believe this is finally happening,” said Derrick Laster, Estancia senior and advanced drama student. “We won’t have to load everything for performances — costumes, sets, everything — into cars, vans and trucks anymore. This is our space now.”

The $42-million dollar project was completed in under two years with support from community bond measure funds. The building’s drought-resistant landscaping and energy-efficient systems also meet California’s standards for conservation.

“A project of this magnitude comes to life through the hard work, vision, and dedication of a talented team,” said Superintendent Smith. “This is not only one of the most beautiful facilities in our district, but it’s also one that will inspire generations of students to dream big and shine bright.”

Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:

• More than 230 high school juniors across Orange County have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2026, earning recognition among the nation’s top students based on their preliminary SAT scores.

• Since the inception of the military-style youth development program, Sunburst Youth Academy recently welcomed its largest class size ever — 228 candidates — with an equal number of male and female cadets making up the platoons in Class 36.

• After leading the Fullerton School District for 13 years, Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka has announced his retirement effective Feb. 1. Under his leadership, the district expanded instructional programs, advanced personalized learning and expanded technology access.

• OCDE and UC Irvine have partnered to turn campus internships into registered apprenticeships that blend coursework with paid hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials and the essential skills employers are looking for. This partnership supports California’s goal of creating 500,000 apprentices by 2029.

• The OC Pathways Registered Apprenticeship Program has helped more than 40 students gain paid, hands-on experience — like Cypress College freshman Lesly Rivera who works as a group leader for students at Twila Reid Elementary School.

• OCDE’s environmental education program is teaming up with OC Parks and local partners to host California Coastal Cleanup Day to help volunteers remove trash, protect wildlife and preserve the estuary.

• A Los Alamitos High School student film premiered Sept. 5 at Angel Stadium during a game after winning a countywide mental health PSA contest organized by the Los Angeles Angels, the Orange County Health Care Agency and the Youth Creating Change program.

• The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District has found its next superintendent in Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza — a 30-year educator who most recently served as deputy superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado.

• La Quinta High School will become the latest school in the Garden Grove Unified School District to establish a community schools program after receiving $32.3 million total in grant funding from the California Department of Education.

• The Los Angeles Times recently featured Fullerton School District trustee Vanesa Estrella who has been helping to lead her family’s El Pachuco Zoot Suits business, a longstanding fixture in the community.

• The Fullerton School District middle school speech and debate team won its sixth straight national championship at the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament with individual awards for original oratory, humorous interpretation and poetry interpretation.

• Federal funds for training special education teachers in California will be cut after the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to cancel more than two dozen grants nationwide, according to EdSource.

• A new senate bill moving through the Legislature would help combat and identify sexual abuse in schools by providing resources to local and state officials while educating students on identifying common signs to look out for, according to CalMatters.

• A new assembly bill — currently on its way to the governor’s desk — would allow substitute teachers to instruct at double the amount of days typically allowed for a single class, in an effort to help school districts fill vacant positions.

• Dana Hills High School staff and students paid tribute to veterans and first responders as part of its annual “Honor the Valor” event before its Sept. 5 football game on campus.

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