Central Valley High School CTE Media Arts students Hannah Martin-Borba, Alexander Dominguez and Raul Sarabia Zavala were recently named California Arts Scholars for being invited to join the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) program.

The three will study film making with top professors and industry professionals in a four-week intensive program at CalArts in Santa Clarita.

CVHS student Michelle Nava was accepted into the CSSSA Creative Writing Program.

“I see the California State Summer School for the Arts as an opportunity to make a decision if I enjoy working in film and want to do it in the future,” said Sarabia Zavala. “My goal is to add professionalism to the film projects I make, especially to the finished product. I am most excited about being on my own, to see if I am prepared for college.”

Martin-Borba said that because she wants to pursue filmmaking as a career, she believes the experience is a “step toward achieving that goal. I hope to learn more about filmmaking from professionals in the field, as well as meet people who share my interests.”

“I hope to apply these skills into other media as well as make films with industry standards,” said Dominguez.

Only 30 students were accepted statewide in the film category, so the three CVHS students represent 10 percent of accepted students.

Ceres Unified School District officials say there are great things happening in the CVHS Media Arts program and this recognition is well deserved by students who have worked hard all year to build their skills at a professional level.

They consider the selection  to be a prestigious honor for the students chosen to be recognized and invited to attend.

Each student had to create a short film and complete a written application as part of their audition process for consideration for this program. Their creative work earned each of three a full scholarship issued by the CSSSA Foundation to cover the cost of participation.

The California State Summer School for the Arts is a rigorous, pre-professional, month-long training program in the visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation and film for talented artists of high school age. CSSSA provides a supportive environment in which students hone acquired skills and explore new techniques and ideas for an intense and exciting learning experience.

The school was created by the California Legislature, and held its first session in 1987. Its purpose is to provide a training ground for future artists who wish to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries. The California State Summer School for the Arts is a state agency funded through a unique public-private partnership.

Participants are selected in the spring, on the basis of talent and creativity as demonstrated through assignments and teacher recommendations. 

According to CSSSA coordinators, 500 students are accepted each year into the summer program. Only 30 are in the area of film.

Students may receive three units of California State University elective credit for successful participation.