Find “Ma-ui”

Out of Here!

The humid air pressed down on him as sweat rolled down his forehead. It was just him and his best friend, as their families had given up and gone back down the trail long ago. They had already gone off the path, and were just cutting through brush. To say he was underprepared was an un derstatement. He was trekking through the mud with a pair of tennis shoes, slipping al most five times on the way up. At a certain point, it got so steep that they had to grab onto rocks and branches to pull themselves up. He was hungry, tired, and had drained his only water bottle just 30 minutes in. All he could think about was how lost they were; there was no way they would make it back to their families within three hours.

In the end, Owen Isackson, along with his friend, Reese Taylor, did make it to the top. Miles of trees spanned the expanse below them, and the clouds blanketed them from above as the breeze mingled with the leaves. He added that, “It’s prob ably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.” Even though they were frightened, they were with each other, cracking jokes and having fun, and it be came something that they would never forget. They pushed through it, togeth er, and in the end, there were no regrets.

Now That the Stage Is Ours

As the stage light shone on the actors, and the stage crew, and the director, the junior felt a type of happiness that was hard to put into words. On the closing night for Mamma Mia, he stood blissfully on stage, alongside his friend and fellow stage crew. Originally, he had joined stage productions as an easy way to get community service, but now, at the end of his second play at Rocklin High, he was left in awe as he listened to the actors voice their appreciation for everyone who worked alongside them for the journey. Every soul on stage had been united under one dream, one goal, and one show. Whether he wore a beachy costume or the familiar shorts and t-shirt that he wore now, the musical was a source of pride for all that he had contributed, and all the nights he helped move props and pieces on the Greek set. Just then the mastermind behind it all, Mrs.

Toepke, began her speech. He beamed as she expressed her long-time desire to direct Mamma Mia for Rocklin High School, for he shared the same love for the musical. As she praised the result of the show, everyone stood around with such joy swirling the stage. In that moment, the theater was not simply the place where plays were shown, but it was the home of a great family.

Gavin Malit, now a senior at Rocklin High School, felt that the final showing of the Mamma Mia musical was a very meaningful moment during his high school career, not only because of his personal work for the show, but also because the experience created more than a show. It created a family of wonderful people that worked hard together, had fun together, and persevered together.