As Dominic Ulibarri, a sophomore at Capital High School, stepped onto the streets of Times Square for the first time, the city stretched out in front of him and 19 of his peers, as they viewed a city unlike anything they'd ever seen before. Buildings hundreds of stories high surrounded them — it was an enchanting place they'd seen only on television shows and in movies.

"It was more magical than I thought it would be," Ulibarri said. This was the consensus among the other students, who all toured the city with Capital High School's Capital School of the Arts.

The trip, June 10 to 14, included students from CaSA, especially those who were part of the Capital Academy of the Performing Arts, or CAPA. A program called Junior Tours allowed the 20 students and eight chaperones to take advantage of all the city had to offer during their five-day stay.

The group visited popular New York attractions including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Empire State Building. But many students agreed the opportunity to see two Broadway shows, West Side Story and Wicked, was the most enjoyable.

"(Wicked) was super wicked," said Camille Chambers, a senior and CAPA actor.

Viewing the Broadway shows and having a question-and-answer session with some of the cast of West Side Story encouraged several CAPA students to pursue their dreams.

"Just seeing the Broadway shows and how good the acting is (makes) me want to grow as an actress to their level," said CAPA actress Sara Arana.

Aaron Alamillo, a 2009 graduate and a CAPA dancer, even said that seeing the city and the shows was the "determining factor" that helped him decide that he would come to New York after his freshman year of college.

Students were able to talk to West Side Story actors and were especially encouraged by teen actors Marina Lazaretto (who played Hotsie) and Michael Rosen (who played Federico).

The performers had a lot to say, and Chris Komer, a French horn player in the production, gave advice to the CAPA students.

"Work hard, have fun and maybe we'll see you on Broadway," Komer said.

Angel Lucero, a CAPA student who is involved in all aspects of CAPA shows, said she wanted to have a career in performing arts, but "going to theaters, watching the Broadway shows, talking to the cast definitely ... inspired (me) more."

The students got to see more than just the artistic side of the city. They also got to tour Ground Zero and Trinity Church associated with Sept. 11, 2001, a vital relief center for firemen after the terrorist attacks. In fact, the students were given a firsthand account by Capital government, economics and history teacher, Meredith Tilp, who worked in a building across the street from the World Trade Center during the attacks.

The group also saw SoHo, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and many other places. The trip was organized by CAPA director Bernadette Peña and Junior Tours guide Frank Luz. Luz, a former student of New Mexico State University, moved to New York to work as an actor in his early 20s. He started working with Junior Tours because he "needed a break from show business." Luz's experience as an actor, including 75 episodes on television and Broadway shows, was especially useful to curious CAPA students.

Luz has been involved with Junior Tours, an exclusive student-tour program, for eight years.

He wants students to learn something from visiting New York. "I was told I was 'utterly foolish' for choosing an acting career ... (but) you can come from absolutely nothing and become something," he said.

Peña thought it was good for students "just to experience different culture, different space ... just to step out of our usual environment."

Laura Carthy, another CaSA teacher who went on the trip, just hopes that students gained the confidence to go to a new place and see themselves in a new way. Traveling "helps you find yourself. Seeing what's outside helps you find what's inside," she said. She also explained how it helps students when it comes to managing their freedom.

These trips "should be offered to all of our students. Students go to high school to learn and to get an education, but traveling is just as important; (it's) a different environment to learn in, and there are things that we could've never taught you in the classroom," Carthy added.

"I think everybody should have a chance to experience this," Lucero said. "I had a blast."



Rebecca Gonzales is going to be a senior at Capital. You can reach her at nellybly22@gmail.com.