On October 21, 2021, supporters of the Vista Education Foundation (VEF) gathered at the Moonlight Amphitheater to pay tribute to Brad Peterson who was presented with a 2021 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Award by VEF Board of Directors President and MC, Vince Hinojosa. Also in attendance were Secretary Susan Stuber, Treasurer Marie Hovveln, Community Liason John Herrera, Communications Terry Van Kirk, Member-At-Large Dr. Dave Sherman and Honorary member, Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent, VUSD. Also in attendance was Founding Member Dave Cowles.
As a founding member and Past President of the Vista Education Foundation, Brad worked tirelessly to support students in the Vista Unified School District. His heart grew VEF to provide students with college scholarships, cutting-edge technology, arts experiences, and a successful internship/apprenticeship program. Brad’s vision for successful students also motivated him to serve on the VUSD Career Superhighway Committee.
In addition, he has served the Vista community through many local organizations: Brad served with the Kiwanis for 14 years, including several years in the role of President. He also served as chair for the Vista Chamber of Commerce. For 15 years, Brad helped grow Main St. businesses with the Downtown Business Association. Additional areas of service includes the City of Vista Finance Committee and the City of Vista Downtown Oversight Committee.
Whether sharing advice, collaborating with colleagues, or just downright getting his hands dirty, Brad’s impact on the community of Vista has been felt at every level.
Over the years, Brad has been recognized for his contributions to the community and his leadership. The lives and careers of countless VUSD students have been impacted by the enthusiasm and vision of Brad Peterson. It is with great pleasure that Vista Education Foundation honors Brad Peterson with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Along with the presentation for Brad, the event was catered by ‘When Pigs Fly’ and the attendees were also treated with a sneak preview to Moonlight Youth Theatre’s ‘Wizard of Oz’.
One of the beneficiaries of the Vista Education Foundation (VEF) is the Moonlight Youth Theatre. Director of Arts Education and Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Mike Bradford, shared the history of the VEF’s contributions to the Moonlight Youth Theatre.
Prior to 2016, Moonlight Youth Theatre’s educational programs were geared primarily for performance based learning. In 2016, we identified a need among students who were interested in participating in theatre, but did not want to perform. These students were interested in learning the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of theatre but there no opportunity for this type of learning in their schools. Out of this need, MYT and Vista Education Foundation began a partnership where students applied for internships and were aligned with theatre professionals from all over San Diego County to learn about all aspects of technical theatre including; Stage Management, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Make-up and Hair Design, Props Design, and even Directing, and Choreography.
Since its inception in 2016, over 475 students have been accepted to MYT’s Theatre Internship Program. This amounts to over 15,000 instructional hours.
In 2021, almost 100 students will serve in MYT internships.
11 former MYT Interns are current employees of The City of Vista working directly on Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2021 Summer Season shows. There are 24 interns currently working on MYT’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
By the end of 2021, MYT will have served over 700 students in theatre classes, camps, productions, and internships. This amounts to over 22,000 instructional hours this year alone!
MYT’s production of The Wizard of Oz is now playing at Moonlight Amphitheatre from October 28th, 29th, 30th. The show is already Moonlight Theaters’ highest grossing and highest attended show in their history. Tickets are available here
About Vista Education Foundation
The Vista Education Foundation seeks and responds to funding requests from VUSD Schools and other community youth organizations. Vista Education Foundation was established to serve as an alternative funding source for the Vista Unified School District.
Vista Education Foundation’s focus is to:
Encourage all students to work at their highest potential and to become contributing and responsible citizens in society.
Recognize teachers for innovative efforts and exemplary teaching.
Provide funding for activities and projects which support academic excellence.
Build public awareness and confidence in our schools.
Involve the community in assuring a quality education for the leader and workers of tomorrow.
