Spotlight on Homework

The event: A romance, dinner and stage show starring students of the Orange County High School of the Arts in Los Alamitos. The Hearts for the Arts Valentine’s Gala, held Saturday at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, raised funds for the school’s fine arts program.

Stars of tomorrow: For students who dream of becoming actors, musicians, artists and directors, the gala provided a chance to showcase their talents. “This isn’t a recital--it’s a professionally staged event,” said Ron Green, event chairman.

Students sang and danced throughout the evening, beginning with the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra performing a selection by Beethoven and ending with musical theater students singing a medley from “Ragtime.”

About 500 guests enjoyed the show while dining at tables set with living centerpieces--bowls of goldfish.

Fame: The school draws from Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties about 450 students who are serious about careers in the arts.

“Our mission is to provide pre-professional training to students who are gifted in performing and visual arts,” said Ralph Opacic, the school’s executive director. “They get to work with renowned master teachers and benefit from intense and comprehensive arts training.”

Quote: “When I was first invited to inspect the school, I walked into a performance by the students and walked out with my mouth open,” said Green, whose son and daughter graduated from the program. “These are pre-professional kids. They’re not playing make-believe.”

Faces: Mark Denis, master of ceremonies; John Moschitta, auctioneer; Lewis and Margaret Webb; Susan Egan; Vesta Curry; Peter and Mary Muth; Hans and Valerie Imhof; Irving and Julia Rappaport; and Don Esmond.

Bottom line: The $100-per-person dinner, which included live and silent auctions, was expected to net about $70,000. Proceeds will be used by the high school foundation to help defray the cost of teacher salaries and guest artist fees.

What’s ahead: The school, at Los Alamitos High School, is accepting applications for enrollment in September. For information: (562) 596-1435.