Monticello High School drama students will present the popular musical, West Side Story, May 7-10, but with a twist—all the dance scenes have been modernized and choreographed by students Alex Espinosa Navarro and Gabriela David Guzman.

Arts are a pathway to learning and valuable to all students as cultural experiences. For some, arts become a lifeline to success in school, a social community, and even future careers. Each spring, Albemarle County high school drama programs take on productions in which teens are faced with the challenges of memorizing lines, working collaboratively, building sets, and practicing intensively. They always rise to the challenge. Our high school drama programs are recognized as some of the best in the state, and educators like Madeline Michel, Fay Cunningham, and Caitlin Pitts—our excellent high school drama teachers—deserve the credit!