The OC Register recently announced the semifinalists for Artist of the Year – 12 IUSD students have been selected as semi-finalists for their talent, technique, and heart. Each year, junior or senior high school students across the county can either apply for or a teacher may submit a nomination to be recognized for their excellence within their respective art disciplines.
For each category — theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, film, handcrafted visual arts and computer-assisted visual arts — 105 semifinalists were chosen by a panel of arts teachers from among 646 nominees based on applications, performance videos, art portfolios, film samples, and artistic résumés. The seven disciplines are further divided into specialties.
Handcrafted Visual Arts
Roy Kim, Senior, University High School - Hand Drawing and Painting
Instrumental and Music
Jonathan Kang, Junior, Northwood High School - Winds and Percussion
Esther Kim, Senior, Woodbridge High School - Winds and Percussion
Irene Lee, Senior, Northwood High School - Piano and Strings
Chloe Lim, Senior, Portola High School - Piano and Strings
Yian Wang, Senior, Northwood High School - Jazz
Film and Animation
Alexander Guo, Senior, University High School - Directing and Editing
Cecilia Mou, Senior, Portola High School - Directing and Editing
Emily Pham, Senior, Portola High School - Cinematography
Sanay Saboo, Senior, University High School - Directing and Editing
Dance
Danielle Thayer-Pham, Senior, Woodbridge High School - Commercial Dance
Amelia Yum, Junior, Northwood High School - Commercial Dance
Out of the 105 semifinalists, 22 finalists will be identified, one representing each specialty. On Sunday, May 1, seven students will be announced as the 2022 OC Register Artists of the Year.