CITY OF FRESNO
___________________________________________ __________________________________________ JERRY P. DYER, Honorable Mayor NELSON ESPARZA, Council President, District 7
____________________________________________ __________________________________________ TYLER MAXWELL, Council Vice President, District 4 ANNALISA PEREA, Councilmember, District 1
____________________________________________ __________________________________________ MIKE KARBASSI, Councilmember, District 2 MIGUEL ARIAS, Councilmember, District 3
____________________________________________ __________________________________________ BRANDON VANG, Councilmember, District 5 NICK RICHARDSON, Councilmember, District 6
Office Of Councilmember Brandon Vang
Hereby Recognizes:
Sunnyside H.S. Theater & Drama Dept.
WHEREAS, theater is one of the oldest and most enduring art forms, bringing communities together through storytelling, creativity, and the portrayal of the human experience. Drama and performance arts reflect culture, inspire empathy, build confidence, and create m eaningful connections across generations; and
WHEREAS,
the Sunnyside Wildcat Playhouse, established in 1999, has upheld a proud tradition of theatrical excellence at Sunnyside High School by providing students with opportunities to participate in high- quality stage productions, including plays and musicals, while developing invaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, communication, and artistic expression; and
WHEREAS, through the dedication of its students, educators, directors, and supporters, the Wildcats Playhouse has cultivated a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond the school stage, and alumni continuing to pursue and contribute to the performing arts indus try in places such as Los Angeles, New York City, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, in an extraordinary accomplishment, students from the Sunnyside High School Theater Drama Department earned the prestigious opportunity to perform Jane Eyre: The Musical in New York City, one of the most competitive and celebrated centers for theatrical pe rformance in the world.
Beginning in September 2025, students demonstrated unwavering commitment through daily rehearsals, months of preparation, and extensive fundraising efforts, all in pursuit of this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity; and
WHEREAS, eight talented students were selected to travel to New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center alongside Broadway actors, musicians, directors, and choreographers, representing not only their school, but also the spirit, creativity, and promise of the y outh of Fresno. Their hard work and fundraising efforts also allowed students to experience Broadway productions firsthand, deepening their appreciation for the arts and expanding their vision for what is possible; and
WHEREAS, this month, let us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Sunnyside High School Theater Drama Department, which has inspired the next generation of youth in Fresno and reached new heights for our city. Their achievements serve as a powerful rem inder of the extraordinary talent, perseverance, and ambition that our students carry, and their success inspires young artists throughout our community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer and the Fresno City Council, do hereby proclaim April 9th, 2026, as:
“Sunnyside H.S. Theater & Drama Dept. Day”
in the City of Fresno
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the Great Seal of the City of Fresno, California, this Ninth Day of April of the Year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.