New growth will make MCAA's year memorable

Last week, I received one question repeatedly from our new principal, Mr. Malone, "What do you want from MCAA?" I have to say that I was somewhat dumbfounded when asked, and had little response, despite ideas storming in my head.

However, this question has certainly not been reserved only for me. This self-same question has been delivered to our student council and many other students whom Mr. Malone has walked up and asked. It has been discussed amongst the teachers, and it will certainly be heard about throughout the Parent Teacher Student Association, district and other aspects of the Marysville-MCAA complex.

It seems that in the weeks before the production of "Pygmalion," the most recent school play, a new policy has arisen throughout the school of applying the wishes of the students to the atmosphere of the school.

With such a pluralistic social life at MCAA, consisting of dancers, actors, singers, artists, writers, martial artists as well as any other typical school group, there are bound to be conflicting interests.

This should not be discouraging, however; such a melting pot of personalities is — as evidenced by the incredible history of the school — bound to produce ideas which will satisfy all individuals involved.

MCAA has had an incredible history as a California distinguished school with a notable record of artistic depth and community involvement. Our school has been growing and developing new constructs to satisfy the artistic desires of its diverse student body. What we are seeing now is an industrial revolution of artistic growth, with new programs and ideas expanding into all regions of the school.

Some of the most interesting additions to school life of late have been the lunch experience — although certainly absent in the recent rain storm. During lunch, there is frequent music and competitions in the midst of students running around to eat or meet in clubs, which attract a growing and surprisingly large proportion of the student body.

This new ground-level activity from the students has inspired the formation of new clubs and a more activity-oriented social life. Having formed a political debate club myself recently and watched the formation of a new cultural support group, I have seen firsthand the growth at MCAA.

Despite trepidation last spring at having a new administration, this year is promising to be the best on record. This transformation of our lunches and social life will certainly welcome both praise and criticism in times to come. The dedication of the new administration has, in turn, inspired the dedication of all parts of MCAA. Above all, this will be a year to remember.

Mark Runyan is a senior at the Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.