Steamapalooza Spotlights Student Success

By Raya Anderson, Copy Editor, and Nataliya Laciste, Features Editor

Marlene Ascencio/THE SHAMROCK

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: STEM. A term that promises endless opportunities for those who participate in these programs on campuses across Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD). The district doesn’t merely offer these subjects though. The students who enroll in these classes are met with experiences beyond their expectations.

On Saturday, April 5, Magnolia High hosted the annual AUHSD event called Steamapalooza – adding “Arts” to the STEM abbreviation – in an effort to increase community engagement with and knowledge of career pathways, programs, pledges, student businesses, and other academic and artistic creations.

Coming to Steamapalooza meant uniting the community with education. The event shows parents and students the career pathways and programs that AUHSD schools have to offer: programs that help students prepare for a successful future.

The event included various booths from AUHSD schools, including those promoting a drug free campus, encouraging engagement among the community, and highlighting pathways offered at schools. Booths were run by students who showed their involvement and enthusiasm to take part in the district-wide event. Not only does Steamapalooza help students and families be informed about programs, but it also gives hope that these types of programs can continue to exist and educate students. 

“Steamapalooza is a wonderful community wide event because it allows all our community members to see the wonderful activities and programs and projects that our students and our district are involved with,” Magnolia High FACES Martha Espirtu said. “From the junior high level, all the way to the high school, our elementary families can see what’s coming for their students.”

Students displayed their skills in public speaking, dancing, and musical performances on a stage and the entrance of the event, increasing the creative environment.

Public speeches came from junior high and high school students who attend Orangeview Junior High, Cypress High, Gilbert High, and Oxford Academy. Topics ranged from societal standards to policies enforced by schools. 

Outside the gym stood the South Modern Band, formed by students from South Junior High. They performed live using drums, guitars, and keyboards, showcasing their musical talent. On the main stage, surrounded by many booths, students broke it down and performed multiple genres of dance. Students came from dance groups, choosing to perform solo or in groups. 

South Modern Band from South Junior High performing.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their career pathways as well, putting their creations on display and giving detailed explanations of the processes. 

Vendors set up by students sold art and food. Ceramics, wood carvings, jewelry, and more were presented to the community as students practiced business skills and engagement.

Food sold by students had a great response among the community as people had the opportunity to take a break and experience delicious creations made by AUHSD students.

“It’s something new to me. This has helped me talk to other people and communicate and kind of learn more about what I could do in the future,” Walker Junior High student Ava Tri said. “It’s given me advice and tips about my future events.”

In the gym, robotics were not only on display but competing, educating audiences on technology while also entertaining them. Students had the opportunity to display their creations, the competition giving more motivation to compete with prizes to reward their hard work.

Robotics made by students in fences.

“It makes you stand out because you get to show what you learn,” Magnolia High sophomore Mariana Sanchez said. “We see what skills we can later use in life.”

The engagement didn’t stop there as Santiago Canyon College hosted an Esports tournament, allowing students to participate, learn, and showcase their skills in the technology based field. Program recruiter Roshan Uma appreciated the engagement of students, fulfilling his goal to show parents the career outside of school.

“My purpose was to show young kids from middle school and high school to compete at a college level and the opportunities,” Uma said. “I’m always happy to see kids feel very connected with their education and doing this in college, they can still feel connected.”

Steamapalooza shows younger students all the work junior high and high schools do in the AUHSD. Local elementary students were on hand to witness a world they are going to enter in a few more years. The experience makes these students more excited and gives them something to look forward to in their academic future. 

“I think it’s beneficial because number one it shows that we are united, that we can come together regardless of what school you go to, what grade you are in,” AUHSD Director of Learning and Development Dr. Seema Sidhu said. “It’s a way for us to show our community and ourselves what we do at our schools. Like, what are we proud of? What do we bring to the table?”

The community engaging in Steamapalooza.

Companies providing different educational programs and software used by AUHSD also participated in the event, showing the tools students and educators use to improve learning and engagement. Tools like EdPuzzle, Spectrum, eKadence, and more had booths set up to provide information about how they can be used in households to facilitate education.

“I feel excited and hopeful because I think with knowledge comes caring and to see young people are interested it shows they (care),” co-founder of Blue Latitudes Foundation Amber Sparks said.

Sparks educated students that came to see the virtual reality experience that informed participants of oil platforms in the ocean. Students had the chance to experience visual education and utilize the usage of technology at many of the booths across the campus.

Steamapalooza is a special chance for students, families, and community members to witness the courses, programs, and career pathways available in AUHSD. The event gives students a chance to expand their minds and think about the different opportunities available to them in the future.