At the beginning of the new year, the academy known as ALMA will now be called VAPA, which stands for visual and performing arts.
According to VAPA Director, Mr. Michael Heu, the change was needed because programs in the academy are growing. Also, there is funding available for arts programs in public schools and the VAPA acronym is known in the education field.
“It’s easier to discuss the arts when I say ‘Hoover has a VAPA academy,’” stated Mr. Heu. “And with our academy evolving, change was needed.”
Hoover is one of a few schools that has two theater teachers with the technical theater in its second year. The mariachi program and choir program have grown this year and are out in the community. Both groups, along with the jazz band, performed in this year’s Lunar New Year Festival at the Henwood Memorial Park on Fairmont.
However, Mr. Heu has been met with some challenges from seniors about the change. After he explained that change was needed in order to bring in more funding to the academy and have other arts opportunities, many of the seniors agreed to the change.
“I’m excited to say that this year will be the first VAPA graduating class!” expressed Mr. Heu. “We have a great group of artists that we’re sending out into the world!”
The academy is currently working on a new visual art course that they hope to roll out next year with the help of the Little Saigon Foundation and guidance from the San Diego Unified VAPA office and the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla. They used a temporary logo for Cardinal for the Day until one of the VAPA students creates a new one.
