FEATURING
Honors Choir • Honors Women's Chorus
Concert Choir • Bel Canto Carolers
Vocal Jazz • Creative Worship
Men's Ensemble • Children's Ensemble
Honors Performance Dance • Performance Dance
Intro to Dance • Musical Theatre Dance
DIRECTED BY Megan Carvale and Jennifer Blomquist
PRESENTS � Alexandra Nechita Center � the Arts
DEC 13 | 2 PM & 7 PM
Dear Lancer Community,
Welcome to the 2025/26 arts season at Orange Lutheran High School! For more than 50 years, the Lord has done marvelous things at Lutheran High School of Orange County. Since 2003, the Nechita Center has been a place where the talents, skills, and abilities of our students have been joyfully displayed. Through these gifts, and under the guidance of talented and creative teachers, directors, technical directors, and leaders, the Lord continues to use the Arts program to share the eternal message of salvation found in Jesus Christ with students, parents, donors, and the greater Lancer community. At Orange Lutheran, we believe it is entirely possible to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, our Savior, while pursuing and achieving excellence in the arts.
Whether you are enjoying a musical, concert, play, art exhibit, recital, or lecture, it is wonderful to attend an event in the Nechita Center. It’s not the space that makes the event special, but rather the dedication, hard work, and diligence of faithful students and leaders who pour themselves into each production. This year, hundreds of students will participate in the events that take place in “the Nechita”. They will sing, dance, play instruments, act, draw, create, and use their amazing abilities, gifts, and skills.
The Fall Concert will open our season this year, followed closely by Catch Me If You Can. Before we know it, Christmas arrives, where we celebrate the birth of our Savior with instruments, song, and dance. A fan favorite production of Charlotte’s Web will lead us into a vocal concert of Let’s Go to the Movies. You will not want to miss the Dance Student Showcase stepping up just before Into The Woods. Truthfully, it’s difficult to choose my favorite between the Instrumental Student Showcase and The Best of Broadway. A highlight of the year is our amazing Annual Art Show in May, where our visual arts are in full display. Finally, be sure to save the date for Night of Worship! We close the year being reminded of the work of our Master Artist who has created and designed each of us in His image, to the Glory of God.
Thank you for being here, and enjoy the show!
Dr. Mary K. Scott CEO & Executive Director
Long awaited, precious savior Son of God and son of man Heaven’s glory in a manger
Has come to us in Bethlehem Messiah, baby born to save us all Messiah, on our knees we fall
This song, entitled “Messiah”, has such a beautiful melody and is one of the first songs we chose when we started creating this year’s Christmas program. Sometimes we get so caught up in learning notes, rhythms and choreography that we forget to focus on the words and the meaning behind the music. Although the melody to this song is absolutely stunning, the message that the lyrics share are profound and meaningful. We are often guilty of this same habit during the Christmas season. We spend our time strolling through the streets to look at Christmas lights, standing in line to see Santa Claus, wasting hours in traffic to get the perfect gift for the ones we love, only to spend more time & money making sure that the wrapping is perfect. These are all great things, but why do we put so much importance on keeping ourselves busy during the holidays, forgetting that the real gift of Christmas is perfect in himself... JESUS!
As we come together for today’s celebration, we challenge you to pause, take a deep breath, and listen. Listen to the sounds of the season and cherish the memories that these familiar melodies hold. Remember that the hands of God, so small on that first Christmas, the same hands that created the universe are the ones that hold you in your roughest moments. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to this world to die for your sins. That is the reason that we come together to celebrate Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Megan Carvale Director of Vocal Music
Jennifer Blomquist Director of Dance
CHRISTMAS AT THE NECHITA 2025 - ACT ONE
Honors Performance Dance and Performance Dance
Featured Pointe Dancer: Charlotte Bengfort
Voiceover by Brogan Driscoll
MESSIAH
All Choirs and Honors Performance Dance
The Piano Guys
Francesca Battistelli; Arr. Luke Gambill
Featured Vocalists: Jemma McCabe, Ava Schnell, and Peyton Simon
JOY TO THE WORLD (JOYFUL, JOYFUL)
Phil Wickham, Creative Worship .................................................. Isaac Watt, and George Frederic Handel
Featured Vocalists: Sam Utu, Raegan Larson, and Abby Bustrum
CHRISTMAS CANON
Johann Pachelbel and Paul O’Neill; Concert Choir and Intro to Dance .......................................................................... Arr. Andy Beck
Featured Pianist: Colt Potter
DING-A-DING-A-DING
Bel Canto Carolers
GOD REST YE
Greg Gilpin
Arr. Elizabeth Campbell
Men’s Ensemble
SILENT NIGHT
Arr. Avi Kaplan, Kevin Olusola, and Ben Bram Vocal Jazz
CHRISTMAS IS
Musical Theater Dance (B)
Tony Wood, Ian Eskelin, and Francesca Battistelli
Featured Vocalists: Kelynn Aquino, Eden Arana, Sophie Barzak, Ella Busch, Leah Harness, Rory Longridge, Liv Owen, Gabby Stankus, Jill Taylor, and Ava Tolks
EVEN
JJ Weeks, Honors Performance Dance ...................................
Arr. and orchestrated by Nick Robertson
Featuring Choreography by Seniors, Emmy Ocampo & Layla Farzad
Featured Vocalists: Braydon Overton, Brandon Paulo, Aiden Rodriguez, Zeke Southall, and Eli Zarubin
Ben Glover and Francesca Battistelli; Honors Women’s Chorus Arr. John Wasson
Featured Vocalists: Cameron Delja, Olivia Adams, Lucy Brown, Melody Lopez, Melody Bedourian, and Melanie Yang
Honors Women’s Chorus & Honors Choir Women
Featured Vocalist: Lily Elliot
Featured Pointe Dancers: Charlotte Bengfort, Charleigh Jackson, and Ella Jenkins
John Rutter
Arr. David Foster and Kirk Franklin Honors Choir
Featured Vocalists: Zeke Southall, Francesca Lowe, Corey Navarro, Aylania LeBlanc, Kyle Monson, and Lily Elliot
CHRISTMAS AT THE NECHITA 2025 - ACT TWO
WHAT’S THIS?
Honors Choir and Honors Performance Dance
RING OUT THE BELLS
Performance Dance
Danny Elfman
Arr. Martin Williams and Rosie Danvers
Featured Vocalists: Rebecca Yu, Lauren Allen, Maddie Pratt, Emily Houssels, Kayla Keppler, and Sophia Zabka
I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS Tommie Connor; Honors Women's Chorus Arr. Mac Huff
Featured Vocalist: Bridgette Van Blarcom
JINGLE BELLS
Musical Theater Dance (A)
James Pierpont; Arr. Adam Anders, and Peer Astrom
HIP HOP CHRISTMAS MEDLEY..........................................
Arr. Trap City Music
Honors Performance Dance
Choreographed by Honors Performance Dance Students
LITTLE SAINT NICK .......................................................
Brian Wilson and Mike Love; Honors Choir Men ......................................................................................... Arr. Mark Brymer
CANDY CANE LANE
Bel Canto
WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME
Jennifer Zuffinetti; Arr. Mac Huff
George Gordy, Allen Story, Concert Choir and Intro to Dance and Anna Gordy Gaye
Featured Vocalists: Elias Kawaja, Lex Von Esch, Alex Fish, Addie Winterswyk, and Victoria Un
SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
FROM THE POLAR EXPRESS
Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri; Honors Choir and Honors Women’s Chorus ................................................... Arr. David Hamilton
SUITE
FROM THE POLAR EXPRESS Alan Silvestri
Performance Dance
With Drew Vander Wal as “The Train Conductor”
FROM THE POLAR EXPRESS
Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri Children’s Ensemble
HOT CHOCOLATE
FROM THE POLAR EXPRESS
Musical Theater Dance (A)
BELIEVE
FROM THE POLAR EXPRESS
Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri
Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri Performance Dance
Featured Vocalist: Peyton Simon
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
J. Fred Coots and Vocal Jazz and Musical Theater Dance (B) Haven Gillespie
Featured Vocalist: Kyle Monson
ALL THOSE CHRISTMAS CLICHES
Stephen Flaherty
Faith Novak and Lynn Ahrens
ROCKETTES MEDLEY
Honors Performance Dance
Jennifer Zuffinetti; Arr. Mac Huff
DON’T SAVE IT ALL FOR CHRISTMAS DAY Celine Dion, Peter Honors Choir and Choir Seniors .................................................................Zizzo, and Rick Wake
Featured Vocalist: Corey Navarro
JOY! HE SHALL REIGN
Mike Weaver, Michael Farren, Tony Wood, Full Cast ............................................... Danny Davis, and Suzanne Davis; Arr. Cliff Duren
HONORS CHOIR
Lauren Allen
Abby Bustrum
Lily Dienhart
Brogan Driscoll
Lily Elliott
Juliet Funa
Simon Gorgy
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Emily Houssels
Irae Jennings
Kayla Keppler
Nick Krochman
Angie LeBlanc
Aylania LeBlanc
Francesca Lowe
HONORS WOMEN’S CHORUS
Olivia Adams
Kelyn Aquino
Eden Arana
Sophie Barzak
Melody Bedourian
Lucy Brown
Ella Busch
Cam Delja
Quinn Farless
CONCERT CHOIR
Liv Adams
Ellie Barnhill
Noah Cortez
Alex Fish
Madison Haydis
VOCAL JAZZ
Lily Elliot
Nick Krochman
Rilyn Gapik
Charlotte Graham
Hannah Gullickson
Leah Harness
Mia Helmick
Rory Longridge
Melody Lopez
Janella Lua
Liv Owen
Jemma McCabe
Kyle Monson
Corey Navarro
Faith Novak
Braydon Overton
Brandon Paulo
Madeline Pratt
Aiden Rodriguez
Ava Schnell
Peyton Simon Zeke Southall
Rebecca Yu
Sophia Zabka
Eli Zarubin
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Sophia Owens
Alyssa Palmer
Amanda Pena
Esti Ross
Cindy Ruiz
Abby Spatacean
Gabby Stankus
Jillian Taylor
Ava Tolks
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Elias Kawaja
Kiingbaraka Kizzee
AJ Krochman
Amber Liu
Colt Potter
Paul Rinden
Grace Tuipulotu
Victoria Un
Lex Von Esch
DIRECTED BY SARAH SAMUELS
Aylania LeBlanc
Jemma McCabe
Kyle Monson
Faith Novak
Bridgette
Van Blarcom
Sunday Wang
Rebekah Wasim
Melanie Yang
Clara Yim
Sonia Zhuang
Addison
Winterswyk
Danni Wu
Braydon Overton Zeke Southall
Olivia Adams
Lauren Allen
Sophie Barzak
Ella Busch
Abby Bustrum
BEL
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Lily Elliot
Rilyn Gapik
Mia Helmick
Emily Houssels
Kayla Keppler
Olivia Adams
Lauren Allen
Abby Bustrum
Brogan Driscoll
Alex Fish
Simon Gorgy
Elias Kawaja
Lily Elliot
Rilyn Gapik
Mia Helmick
Angie LeBlanc
Aylania LeBlanc
Melody Lopez
Francesca Lowe
Janelle Lua
Jemma McCabe
Faith Novak
Ava Schnell
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Kayla Keppler
Aylania LeBlanc
Francesca Lowe
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
AJ Krochman
Nick Krochman
Kyle Monson
Corey Navarro
Braydon Overton
Brandon Paulo
Colt Potter
Paul Rinden
CREATIVE WORSHIP DIRECTED BY KARISSA RAEBEL
VOCALISTS
Abby Bustrum
Rilyn Gapik
Raegan Larson
Francesca Lowe
Sophia Martinez
Peyton Simon
FEATURED INSTRUMENTALIST
Bryan Potyondy, Piano
CHILDREN'S ENSEMBLE
Addison Carvale
Misha Palmer
Isla Pohlen
Gabby Stankus
Sam Utu
Clara Yim
Jemma McCabe
Faith Novak
Ava Schnell
Aiden Rodriguez
Peyton Simon
Zeke Southall
Eli Zarubin
Rebecca Yu
Eli Zarubin
DIRECTED BY MEGAN CARVALE
Kennedy Reyes
Elle Schoenleben
CHRISTMAS VOCAL & DANCE CONCERT
HONORS PERFORMANCE DANCE DIRECTED BY JENNIFER BLOMQUIST
Charlotte Bengfort
Abbey Davis
Katey Davis
Jordan English
Layla Farzad
Alyssa Han
Channing Harris
Charleigh Jackson
Priscilla Nguyen
Emmy O’Campo
Bailey O’Day
Stella Trulin
Zoe Weiner
PERFORMANCE DANCE DIRECTED BY JENNIFER BLOMQUIST
Charlie Bowen
Haven Brink
Keira Davies
Cecy Hernandez
Chanel Howard
Ella Jenkins
Alexis Meyer
Ava Schnell
Olivia Strohschein
Elizabeth Sweeney
Sofia Van de Zilver
Kendra Yasukawa-Coleman
INTRO TO DANCE DIRECTED BY JENNIFER BLOMQUIST
Lucy Brown
Brynlee Burns
Kaylor Cordell
Isabella Crawford
Tahzia Gomez
Gage Hasenyager
Leah Hoggatt
Karis Komanapolli
Reghan Keefe
Grace Kelly
Apple Lee
Dina Love
Annika Prior
Sophia Sandoval
Tina Shen
Bailey
Songmin Shin
Rebekah Wasim
Agnes Quing Yang
MUSICAL THEATER DANCE A DIRECTED BY JENNIFER BLOMQUIST
Brogan Driscoll
Lily Elliot
Tahzia Gomez
Simon Gorgy
Cecy Hernandez
Emily Houssels
Angie LeBlanc
Aylania LeBlanc
Francesca Lowe
Kyle Monson
Corey Navarro
Faith Novak
Brandon Paulo
Isly Ross
Peyton Simon
Zeke Southall
Jordan Yoshimura
MUSICAL THEATER DANCE B CHOREOGRAPHED BY KARI WILHELM
Olivia Adams
Ellie Barnhill
Avalon Bartels
Quincy Burke
Sofia Van de Zilver
Tiana Dovetko
Charlie Gassel
Simon Gorgy
Emily Harmon
Mia Helmick
Luke Ortloff
Aly Palmer
Amanda Pena
Esti Ross
Drew Vander Wal
Sophia Zabka
Class of 2026
What is your favorite memory on the Nechita stage?
The finales of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Catch Me If You Can. During the finale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I loved looking out at the audience and seeing them in tears. It was evident that the show had an emotional impact on the audience. During the finale of Catch Me If You Can, the audience was smiling. I loved how these two different shows brought out different emotions for the audience.
In the future I plan to… I want to stay local and hope to pursue a BFA in film.
What inspires you?
My favorite Broadway star, Ramin Karimloo. I am inspired by both his passion and talent. My friends also inspire me - they are so talented that it makes me want to step up my game. They challenge me to constantly pursue growth.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I always have to keep busy with something. When I’m not in rehearsals for a musical, I’m either working on a film project or singing with my friends and planning for our next show.
When you’re not singing, acting, and dancing, where can people find you?
Filming movies with my friends.
What teacher made the biggest impact on you and why?
Mrs. Carvale - she has given me some good opportunities and has driven me to be the best performer that I can be.
Favorite Bible Verse
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.”
Director of Vocal Music Megan Carvale**
Director of Dance Jennifer Blomquist
Director of Worship Arts Karissa Raebel
Vocal Jazz Director........................................... Sarah Samuels**
Vocal Music Accompanist Daniel Pappas
Creative Worship Assistant Mason Wong
Dance Teacher & Choreographer/Wardrobe Assistant Kari Wilhelm
Technical Director ................................................ David Bartle
Associate Technical Director Cory Cooke
A1 Audio Engineer Tony Medieros
A2 Audio Assistant Keven Bautista
Lighting Design Ryan Linhardt
Lighting Assistant Trevor Clayton
Lighting Board Operator Emily Paul*
Stage Managers Kimberly Mitchell and Brayden Gallante
Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Lead Rochelle Garcia
Deck Hands Azara Seek, Savannah Durham*
Playback/Projections Ryan Streeter
Projection Artist Noah Matos
Set Designer/Carpenter Manuel Perez
Costume & Wardrobe Supervisor Carole Zelinger
Student Wardrobe Assistant Celine Maksoud*, Naomi Roberts*
Keyboard 1 Daniel Pappas
Keyboard 2 Tateng Katindig
Guitar Noel Kim
Bass Dana Decker
Drums .......................................................... Art Pacheco
*OLu Student **OLu Alumnus
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please silence all electronic devices.
The Nechita Center is equipped with assistive listening equipment. Please see an usher or Nechita staff for assistance with a receiver.
Restrooms are located in the Nechita Center lobby near the entrance to the theater.
Refreshments are available for purchase during intermission at select performances.
CEO & Executive Director
Mary K. Scott, Ed.D
Head of School
Jack Preus, Ed.D
Chief Financial Officer
Justin Stewart
Chief Development Officer
Bruce Freeman
Chief Operations Officer
Jeremy Johnston
Director of the Arts
Morgan Perez
Director of Instrumental Music
Aaron Zeilinger
Director of Vocal Music
Megan Carvale
Director of Dramatic Arts
Chelsey Everhart
Director of Dance
Jennifer Blomquist
Director of Worship Arts
Karissa Raebel
Technical Director
David Bartle
Asst. Technical Director
Cory Cooke
Visual & Media Arts
Department Chair
Jeannie Mooney
Visual & Media Arts Teacher
Ariel Gjersvold
Visual & Media Arts Teacher
Jane Klammer
Yearbook Advisor
Gianna Flores
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jeff Brouwer
Creative Content Manager, Activities
Chris Cornish
Graphic Designer
Kelly Early
Scheduling & Events Coordinator
Kirsten Resha
MORGAN PEREZ, DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS
I’m thrilled to join the OLu family as your new Director of the Arts! With over 20 years of experience building and leading arts programs, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students who now perform and create professionally around the world. The past months have been amazing - getting to know our incredible OLu Arts families and the talented students who bring so much heart and dedication to their craft has been truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see all that we will create together in the year ahead!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025-2026 SEASON SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
BLAINE CAYA & FAMILY
STANDARD DRYWALL, INC.
3100 Palisades Drive Corona, CA 92880 951-256-8656 standarddrywall.com
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 901 E. Heim Avenue Orange, CA 92865
714-637-2640 admissions@splsorange.org splsorange.org
CORPORATE SPONSORS
ROBERT B. HOUSSELS, ESQ. TRUST & ESTATE ATTORNEY 901 Dover Drive, Ste. #101 Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-870-5469 robert.esq@houssels.biz
SA RECYCLING
3200 E. Frontera Street Anaheim, CA 92806
714-630-8901 obravo@sarecycling.com sarecycling.com
LEGACY SPONSORS
CHARITY ON WHEELS
3152 E. La Palma Avenue, Suite D & E Anaheim, CA 92806 714-406-3049
info@charityonwheels.com charityonwheels.com
Ronan Southall, Class of 2023
PACIFIC COACHWAYS
School Bus and Motorcoach Services
Serving Southern California 714-892-5000 edettmer@pacificcoachways.com pacificcoachways.com
Erin Dettmer, Class of 1998
TOYOTA OF ORANGE
1400 N. Tustin Street Orange, CA 92867
714-316-0115 toyotaoforange.com
OFFICIAL SHOW SPONSOR
GLOBAL TRADEMARKS, INC.
505 S. Villa Real Drive, Ste. 102 Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 714-279-9185
globalmarks@gtilaw.com gtilaw.com
LHSOC.ORG/SPONSOR-ARTS
At Orange Lutheran, we believe the arts are integral to a well-rounded education. Through your generous sponsorship, you help our student performers explore their creativity and God-given talents and connect your brand with a community that values artistic excellence. Your support fuels their growth, allowing these young artists to express their ideas and develop into tomorrow’s creative thinkers.
As a sponsor, you’ll gain exclusive advertising opportunities at our performing arts shows, including in-person and livestream audiences, reaching up to 15,000 people, depending on the sponsorship level. This partnership offers your brand valuable exposure while enhancing your relationship within a vibrant, engaged community.
By aligning with OLu Arts, you’re investing in both the future of the arts and your own brand’s visibility.
Please visit lhsoc.org/sponsor-arts for more information.
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September
November
June 2026
The Orange Lutheran Annual Fund has a direct and immediate impact on OLu’s academic programming, athletics, arts, financial aid, professional development, facilities, and campus life. The funds raised are a necessary source of income for our school, as they help us maintain financial stability and bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of excellence.
The Annual Fund gives Orange Lutheran the ability to o er financial support to deserving families, to provide incredible programs that bring students closer to Christ, and to deliver an unprecedented high school experience. How much to give will be di erent for each family, but gifts of all sizes make an impact. Your support truly makes a di erence in the lives of our students!
Join the Petal Pushers®, a group of volunteers who gather each year to decorate the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float - the only Christian float in the Rose Parade!
Over Christmas Break, OLu volunteers will help share the love of Jesus by prepping and gluing flowers onto parade floats.
This event is open to everyone, so feel free to invite family and friends to join you in serving. More details will be provided upon registration and again as the event date approaches.
It’s not too late to join the adventure! Orange Lutheran students have the opportunity to travel with OLu’s Director of Dance Jennifer Blomquist and EF Tours and explore incredible destinations while gaining unforgettable educational experiences.
Fall Concert
VOCAL MUSIC
Wednesday, October 8 • 7 pm
Catch Me If You Can
FALL MUSICAL
Thursday, October 23 • 7 pm
Friday, October 24 • 7 pm
Saturday, October 25 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, October 26 • 2 pm
Christmas at the Nechita
INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
Saturday, December 6 • 4 pm
Christmas at the Nechita
VOCAL & DANCE CONCERT
Saturday, December 13 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Charlotte’s Web STAGE PLAY
Friday, February 6 • 7 pm
Saturday, February 7 • 2 pm
Sunday, February 8 • 2 pm
Honors Recital
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sunday, February 22 • 4 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Let’s Go to the Movies
VOCAL MUSIC
Thursday, February 26 • 7 pm
Student Showcase
OL u DANCE
Saturday, March 7 • 4 pm
Into The Woods
SPRING MUSICAL
Thursday, April 16 • 7 pm
Friday, April 17 • 7 pm
Saturday, April 18 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, April 19 • 2 pm
Student Showcase
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sunday, April 26 • 4 pm
The Best of Broadway
VOCAL MUSIC & DANCE
Saturday, May 9 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Annual Art Show
VISUAL ARTS
Wednesday, May 13 • 5 pm
Night of Worship
CREATIVE WORSHIP
Friday, May 15 • 7 pm