Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

Buy your tickets now! Our musicals typically sell out quickly!

Vista Academy Foundation - Alice in Wonderland Vista Academy Foundation

Winternational community festival is coming soon! Mark your calendars!

🐶Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog🐶

🌎Parents - did you know our alumni are doing incredible things all over the world? 

Full Name: Alexander Hartdegen
Years Attended Vista Academy: 1995–2004
Current City/State: Dallas, TX

What I’m Doing Now:
I am currently a clinical behavior therapist working in an autism clinic. Before this role, I spent 10 years as a self-contained special education teacher in a behavior support unit. I hold two master’s degrees—one in Psychology and one in Special Education focused on challenging behaviors—and I am currently working toward my PhD in Neuropsychology. I am also a published author of the memoir Adopted, which reflects on experiences that helped shape who I am today.

Looking Back:
One of my favorite memories from Vista Academy was the end-of-year Olympic Games. Ms. Trout and Mr. Zites always put so much heart and care into making it a special experience for everyone.

I would also love to thank a few teachers who had a lasting impact on me. My kindergarten garden teacher, Judy Vernoy, held me on my first day of school when I cried and watched over me closely—especially after I once tried to walk home on my own. In sixth grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Plutz, inspired me to be more confident in my writing and always encouraged me with kindness and positivity. And a very special thank you to Anne Fennel, the music teacher, who inspired me to always be my truest, most authentic self.

I am deeply grateful for the foundation Vista Academy gave me and the educators who helped guide me along the way.

Submitted by Alexander Hartdegen

📩Email Cara Untalan, [email protected], if you are an alumni and want to be featured next month

🐶Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog🐶

🌎Parents - did you know our alumni are doing incredible things all over the world? 

Meghan Buckner graduated from Vista Academy in 2015, but even now, she still recognizes the impact VAPA has made on her life. She is currently attending the University of California, Irvine, where she is double-majoring in Education Sciences and Drama. In her free time, she serves as the captain of Improv Revolution, UCI's premier improv team, and competes in regional competitions as a member of Anteater Mock Trial. Meghan plans to pursue acting after college, a passion she discovered and began to develop at VAPA. Her love for theatre started with the very first show she performed in when she was in kindergarten, and now, she can't imagine her life without the performing arts. Meghan is so grateful to all the amazing teachers at VAPA who encouraged her to pursue her love for performing and fostered her love for learning.

Meghan in an original play directed and produced at UCI

Submitted by Meghan Bucker

📩Email Cara Untalan, [email protected], if you are an alumni and want to be featured next month!

Today our fourth graders got to experience what it was like to be a Miner for the day 💰

🎉November Alumni Spotlight🎉

🐶Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog🐶

🌎Parents - did you know our alumni are doing incredible things all over the world? 

Maxwell Dotts is an alumnus of Vista Academy who has gone on to become a professional bluegrass musician. He started playing trumpet at Vista Academy and went on to Roosevelt to play in the amazing band there. He is a 2019 graduate of Mission Vista High School, where he continued his music education under the direction of the wonderful Anne Fennell in steel drum and music composition classes, and also in choir. He auditioned for The Berklee College of Music on double steel drums and was accepted into this prestigious college with an excellent scholarship. He graduated in 2023. While living in Boston, Maxwell picked up the mandolin to play Celtic and folk music. After coming home for Summergrass in Vista, he realized bluegrass was his passion. Maxwell now plays in a popular Southern California bluegrass band called Muddy Mountain West. He is playing in the bluegrass festival circuit all over California and Arizona, with plans of expanding to Colorado, Tennessee, and North Carolina in the coming year.
 

Submitted by Brenda Dotts

📩Email Cara Untalan, [email protected] if you are an alumni and want to be featured next month!

Spread the word! Tours open December 2nd. Applications open after the winter break!

Tour sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BACA622A6F9C34-60176065-vista