Bright Lights: Honoring 25 Years of Those Who Create Impact

This spring, supporters, partners, alumni, staff, and community members came together at ARTS for Bright Lights 2026, a special event celebrating 25 years of creativity, belonging, and impact.

For a quarter century, ARTS has been a place where young people are seen, heard, and uplifted through the transformative power of creativity. Bright Lights 2026 gave us a chance to look back on that journey, reconnect with those who shaped it, and look forward to what comes next.

The afternoon started with a warm welcome from Teaching Artist and MC Monét Nyree Panza, who encouraged guests to be present and celebrate everyone who has made ARTS possible over the past 25 years. Interim Executive Director Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda then spoke, honoring the countless youth, families, artists, mentors, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters whose belief in young people has sustained the organization through decades of growth and transformation.

We were honored with a proclamation from the City of National City, along with a visit from Mayor Ron Morrison, recognizing ARTS' contributions to the community and its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people through creativity and connection. June 13, 2026, will be remembered as National City’s official “ARTS Day.”

Throughout the afternoon, guests watched the premiere of our "25 Years, 25 Voices" video project, which shared stories and reflections from members of the ARTS community across generations. These powerful testimonials highlighted the many ways ARTS has shaped lives, built a sense of belonging, and inspired young people to find their strengths and creativity.

The celebration included a heartfelt performance by young people from the Community ARTS - Sound & Music project team, joined by Teaching Artist Teresa Diaz. Their performance reminded everyone why this work is important and highlighted the creativity, courage, and talent that thrives at ARTS today.

History through Leadership

A special part of the event was recognizing the individuals and partners whose support, leadership, and dedication have guided ARTS over the years.

ARTS Executive Director Lucy Eagleson (2024 - 2025) honored the Chula Vista Elementary School District LEAD Team, represented by Christy Priscilla and Omar, for helping to expand creative learning opportunities for thousands of young people through a partnership that continues to grow today.

ARTS Executive Director James Halliday (2018 - 2023) recognized Stephen Manganiello, Acting City Manager and Director of Engineering & Public Works for the City of National City, for his long-time support of ARTS and his commitment to strengthening the community through partnership and public service.

ARTS Founder and Executive Director (2001 - 2017) Matt D'Arrigo honored Heather Rocha and Alexis Rocha, the first family ARTS served at the Ronald McDonald House in 2001. Their story is a powerful reminder of the organization's earliest roots and the healing, hope, and connection that creativity can bring during life's most difficult moments.

Each Bright Light honoree received a unique glass artwork made by ARTS Teaching Artist and Youth Alumni Kelsey Kenny. Inspired by her own journey with ARTS and her love for glassmaking, Kelsey’s pieces represent the creativity, inspiration, and light that guide our community.

Celebrating 25 Years of ARTS

The celebration extended beyond the presentation in the Visual Arts Room into a community reception filled with conversation, connection, and creativity in our Patio.

Guests were treated to a special 25th Anniversary illustration by ARTS Teaching Artist and Youth Alumni Ulises Galicia. The artwork, which debuted at the Bright Lights event, celebrates the artists, families, supporters, and young people who have shaped ARTS over the past 25 years. Attendees could join a live screen-printing activity and take home a commemorative print with the anniversary design.

Throughout the afternoon, former and current team members reconnected, youth alumni and families came back to share memories, community partners celebrated milestones together, and supporters reflected on the many lives ARTS has touched over the past 25 years.

Bright Lights 2026 celebrated all that our community has built together, but it also reminded us of the work still to come.

At the event, ARTS announced a goal to raise $150,000 by December 31. This will help make sure young people continue to have creative opportunities, caring mentors, safe spaces, and meaningful connections. Every program, partnership, and success story we celebrated at Bright Lights exists because people chose to invest in young people and believe in their potential.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped shape the first 25 years of ARTS.

The future of ARTS is bright because of you.

Interested in making more of an impact in the future of ARTS? Reach out to our advancement team at grants@areasontosurvive.org to learn about other ways to support the organization.

Bright Lights was generously sponsored by the US Bank Foundation.