Briefly In Education

High school presents ‘Footloose’

Laguna Beach High School’s drama department will premiere its latest production, “Footloose,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Artists Theatre, 625 Park Ave. Tickets are $12 to $20.

Drama teacher and director Mark Dressler is excited about the remake of the ‘80s film because it gives the kids a taste of a rock ‘n’ roll musical, compared to other classics they’ve done in the past such as “Anything Goes.”

“It’s just loaded with great songs that our kids’ parents listened to when they were young,” Dressler said. “When you look at the educational experience that the kids are getting, not just the kids on stage but the kids in the orchestra too, they’re getting the chance to learn all different styles.”

Around 75 students are involved in the production, from acting to behind the scenes and the orchestra. Dressler said this production has the most seniors he’s had in a while, totaling almost half the cast.

For more information, call the Artists Theatre at (949) 497-7769 or visit https://www.lagunabeachschools.org. Performances will continue until March 27.

*

AAUW to provide grants

The Laguna Beach Branch of the American Assn. of University Women is rewarding nonprofits that focus their programs on the needs of education and women.

The foundation raises money through their Literary Luncheon, Leadership Dinner and annual wine tasting event.

“Our members are talented women, dedicated to the cause, who work very hard throughout the year to fulfill our mission” says branch co-president Bana Hilal. “Reading the feedback from past grant recipients, I know we are succeeding.”

The Laguna branch of the AAUW awarded 14 individual scholarships in addition to community grants for organizations such as the Laguna Beach Clinic for Women’s Health Day, Boys & Girls Club for its Even Start Preschool program and Sally’s Fund.

AAUW-Laguna Beach is accepting applications for grants, which range from $200 to $1,000. The nonprofits must provide documentation of the projected use of the funds.

For more information, visit https://www.aauw-lagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-4185.

*

Open house at Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach will showcase their creative youth with an open house and photography exhibit on March 31.

The club encourages the public to come see the results of their youth programs, which include academic, creative, health and leadership.

The open house starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. For more information, call (949) 2545 ext. 103.

*

Coffee Break focuses on money

The Laguna Beach PTA will hold a coffee break from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Surf and Sand Resort to discuss how to approach finances with your children.

Vicki Hoefle, a parent and therapist, will discuss how children can learn the different uses of money, such as saving, spending and charity.

Hoefle will cover issues such as the best age to give an allowance, when to open a bank account or obtain a debit card and the right time to let them in on finances that affect the family.

The cost of attendance is $5, which covers coffee, pastries and the presentation.

*

Cubs move up in ranks

Laguna Beach Cub Scouts Pack 35 recently recognized nine of their scouts as they advanced on to Boy Scouts in the Arrow of Light Ceremony.

Held at Laguna Presbyterian Church on March 1, the boys were given the Cub Scout Career Arrows to demonstrate the awards they earned in Cub Scouts.

“I’m looking forward to Boy Scouts because there will be more hiking, camping, fishing and adventures,” newly anointed Boy Scout Stephen Jensen said in a statement.

The ceremony was led by The Order of the Arrow, the honor society of the Boy Scouts of America.

—Compiled by Joanna Clay