(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 03, 2026) — As the curtain rose inside Austin High School's theater, dozens of Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy students stepped into the spotlight, bringing the underwater world of Disney's Finding Nemo to life.

For the young performers, the production represented months of rehearsals, memorized lines, choreography, and teamwork. For Crockett Elementary, it marked a major milestone in the continued growth of the school's Fine Arts Academy.

The performances, held May 29 and 30, showcased the talents of student actors, singers, dancers, and backstage crew members in the academy's first full-scale musical production.

“Through various forms of art, we wanted the audience to be immersed in an underwater experience that captured the vibrant and colorful adventure of Finding Nemo,” said Adriana Pena, Special Education Teacher and Set Design/Stage Manager. “Our students, staff, and volunteers dedicated countless hours of creativity, passion, and commitment to bringing this production to life and making it a memorable experience to our community.”

The musical brought together students from across grade levels, many of whom had never performed in front of a large audience before. Along the way, they learned valuable lessons that extended far beyond the stage.

Students spent months preparing for the production, developing skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance. Educators say those experiences are an important part of what makes arts education so impactful.

“Watching our students bring Finding Nemo to life was a powerful reminder of why the arts matter,” said Principal Devin Acosta. “Through this experience, our students built confidence, learned to work as a team, and discovered that their voices and talents have a place on stage and in our school community.”

The musical also served as a powerful example of the academy's mission to integrate creativity and artistic expression into students' educational experiences.

Launched in 2025, Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy offers students opportunities to explore music, drama, dance, visual arts, and digital media while building confidence and strengthening academic skills.

For many students, Finding Nemo became an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones.

“To be honest, I was really nervous during the whole process, from auditions to the performance. But to my surprise, I was able to get up on stage to act and sing in front of an audience,” said Crockett Elementary Student Jacob Jaramillo. “It made me so happy to entertain others and know that I worked for months to improve my memory and communication skills to help create something amazing.”

Educators say that growth is one of the most rewarding aspects of arts education.

Throughout rehearsals, students learned to support one another, adapt to challenges, and work as a team. Whether performing a lead role, singing in the ensemble, helping backstage, or assisting with production elements, every student played an important part in bringing the story to life.

“As we complete our first year as a Fine Arts Academy, this production represents the kind of growth we hope to inspire in our students,” Acosta said. “It has been especially meaningful to see the bonds formed across the various grade levels. Students who rehearsed and performed together now recognize and encourage one another in the hallways, during PE, and in the cafeteria, strengthening their sense of belonging at Crockett.”

Research continues to show that arts education can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve communication, increase engagement, and build self-confidence. At Crockett, those benefits were evident throughout the production process.

As the final curtain closed and the audience applauded, students left the stage with more than memories of a successful performance.

They left with the confidence that comes from accomplishing something they once thought might be impossible.

While Finding Nemo may have been the academy's first musical, Crockett educators say it certainly won't be the last.

The success of the production highlights the growing opportunities available through the Fine Arts Academy and reflects El Paso ISD's commitment to helping students discover their passions, develop new skills, and prepare for future success both inside and outside the classroom.