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DCP Students See ‘Hamilton’ in San Francisco!

DCP Students See

On Wednesday, May 3rd, juniors from DCP El Primero High School (DCP EPHS) had the privilege of seeing a matinee showing of Hamilton: An American Musical, at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre. Not only did the students enjoy the Tony-award winning musical about the life and times of founding father Alexander Hamilton, they were also able to speak with cast members during a Q&A before the show! Making the experience even more meaningful, however, is how exactly it came to be.

DCP EPHS juniors

DCP EPHS juniors and special guests outside of the Orpheum Theatre waiting to see Hamilton!

Tickets to the show were generously secured for our juniors by Michelena (pictured above) and Andres Valdespino in honor of their son and former DCP ARMS teacher, Dan Valdespino. Dan—a beloved Social Studies and Science teacher who valued meaningful relationships with his students—passed away over two years ago from heart failure. His parents acquired the tickets as a way to memorialize Dan and his passion for history while also giving back to an organization that mirrored his values.

ARMS has celebrated

For the last two years, DCP ARMS has celebrated Dan’s life on “Dan’s Day,” paying tribute to his energy and commitment to improving students’ lives through education. Students during the most recent “Dan’s Day” celebration received dog tags that read: “Be the change. Pay it forward.”

Qualifying for these special Hamilton tickets was no easy feat, as schools and students had to meet numerous requirements. Between junior trip, spring break, CAASPP testing, and ACT/SAT prep, our juniors participated in a 5-day unit provided by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a group helping to facilitate student viewings of Hamilton. By the end of the five days, students produced an original piece of work—either a monologue, scene, or poem—related to the Founding Era.

Hamilton showing by Michelena Valdespino

DCP students were joined at the Hamilton showing by Michelena Valdespino and Dan’s younger brother, Matt.

At DCP, we believe there is no education without art, and we are grateful to Michelena and Andres Valdespino for providing for our students this unique experience to bring history to life while celebrating their son Dan. A DCP college scholarship has been funded by Dan’s parents, family, and friends in his name. Click here to learn more, or donate now by clicking the button below:

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