‘Christmas Carol’ given a new twist in production

Verdugo Woodlands students will experience a modern twist to a familiar holiday story thanks to the school’s PTA.

The upcoming performance of “A Christmas Carol” is an example of efforts in sponsoring a fresh view of the story to blend educational and historical material with entertainment. This performance takes place during the school’s Cultural Arts Assembly on Dec. 16 for grades one through six.

Presented by Will & Company, the story takes place in multicultural Los Angeles where casting choices have created an artistic scenario in which actors for each part have been selected regardless of ethnicity, gender, or ability. The performers believe in art for social change and choose works that facilitate this goal.

Glendale High School

Glendale High’s PTSA Reflections Program winners for 2010-11 are: Frank Mezzatesta and Justin Llamas (Musical Composition); Daniel Kim (Dance Choreography); Noah Schneider (Film Production); Mari Carrasco, Natalie Harmon, Kristine Stepanyan and Lida Avanian (Visual Arts); Nataly Nazarian, Tenia Mirzaian, Rachel Oiwake and Maren Swainston (Photography); and Soo Ryun Kwon, Ariga Gharibian, Argineh Shahbandari and Lolita Gabrielyan (Literature).

Wilson Middle School

Wilson PTSA Reflections Chair Chris Antoine reports that seven students have been selected to receive Awards of Excellence for artistic endeavors in this year’s program. Emma Weeks, Ashley Yim, Ella Mikayelyan and Hannah Rubinstein were recognized in the Literature category, while Phoebe Warren and Charlotte Mildenberger were recognized in the Film Production category. Cami Wong was recognized twice for her two entries in Photography. The entries have been forwarded to Glendale Council PTA for the next stage of judging said Co-Historian Linda Guzik. PTSA President Hilda Hovsepian reminds everyone that the Holiday Toy Collection takes place Dec. 1 to 3.

R.D. White Elementary

PTA President Laurel Whitcomb Perlman reminds families that the Thanksgiving Holiday runs from Nov. 24 to 26 with classes back in session Nov. 29. The Safe Routes to School Committee meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the school library. Parents may have coffee with the principal at the “Risse Round-Up” at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 2.

Verdugo Woodlands Elementary

Publicity liaison Madelaine Motallebi reports that Verdugo Woodlands’ annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive will be held Dec. 6 to 10. The school will be collecting new toys, books and cash/gift cards for local families in need during the holiday season. Save the date, Dec. 15, for the Verdugo Woodlands’ bookfair at the Barnes & Noble at the Americana at Brand. Shop from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a percentage of purchases will benefit the school.

College View School

PTA President Amy Keating Rogers invites everyone to join the school’s PTA for just $10. The December PTA board meeting is set for 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the school. Box Tops and Labels for Education continue to be collected. Please send any that you have clipped from food products to College View.

Edna Karinski covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. E-mail Ekarinski@aol.com.