04/30/2026
**Obsidian Middle School Students Advocate for Arts Education at State Capitol**
*Sacramento, CA — April 29, 2026*
A group of seven students from Obsidian Middle School, led by theatre teacher Mr. Fedele, joined peers from across California at the State Capitol for **Stand Up 4 Arts Education Day**, a statewide event focused on promoting and protecting arts education in public schools.
The event was jointly sponsored by California Educational Theatre Association (CETA), California Music Educators Association (CMEA), California Dance Education Association (CDEA), and California Art Education Association (CAEA), all working in equal partnership to bring together educators, students, and advocates for a unified day of arts advocacy.
Held at the California State Capitol, the day featured student performances, advocacy workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities for direct engagement with state lawmakers. Students from Santa Monica High School, Royal Oak Middle School, and Verdugo Hills High School were recognized for their award-winning performances and their efforts to advocate for arts education.
The Obsidian Middle School delegation began their day watching a variety of inspiring student performances before touring the historic Capitol building. The centerpiece of their visit was a pair of legislative meetings that gave students the opportunity to directly share their experiences and perspectives on arts education.
Students met with Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, engaging in a thoughtful and candid discussion about the role of arts programs in schools. During the meeting, students spoke about their participation in visual arts, music, drama, and video production, describing how these programs have strengthened their confidence, creativity, and academic engagement. They also emphasized the importance of continued funding to ensure that all students have access to these opportunities.
In an equally in-depth and impactful visit, the group met with staff from the office of Senator Mike McGuire, including Legislative Aide Marco Martinez and Legislative Director Nicole Winger. Students again shared personal stories and engaged in meaningful dialogue about arts education policy and funding, reinforcing many of the same themes while also responding to questions about how arts programs shape their overall school experience and future goals.
Across both meetings, students demonstrated a clear and consistent message: arts education is not an extra, but an essential part of a well-rounded education. Their ability to articulate both personal impact and broader educational value left a strong impression in each office.
“They spoke with honesty and clarity in both meetings,” Mr. Fedele said. “It was powerful to see them carry the same level of preparation, passion, and professionalism into each conversation.”
The Obsidian contingent reflected a broad representation of campus programs, including students involved in visual arts, music, drama, and video production, as well as the school’s ASB president. Their participation underscored the interdisciplinary impact of arts education and its role in building leadership and communication skills.
Stand Up 4 Arts Education Day serves as a powerful reminder of the role students can play in shaping educational policy. By sharing their voices directly with lawmakers and their staff, these young advocates helped reinforce the importance of sustained support for arts programs across California.
As Mr. Fedele noted, “This wasn’t just a field trip—it was real-world learning. Our students saw firsthand how their voices can make a difference.”
