Meet a Lancer: Shelby Taguchi '21

Shelby Fusako Taguchi, Class of 2021, came to OLu from Friends Christian School, where her interest in visual arts began.

Shelby participated in AP Visual Arts all four years, but it wasn't until 2019 that she branched Screen Shot 2022-04-01 at 2.37.27 PMinto Theater Tech where she started with "props procurement" and then quickly became an integral member of the Student Technical Lighting Team. Shelby recently created an AP art installation, pictured above, that bridged the gap between visual arts and theatrical design and was selected for the College Board's 2021 AP Art & Design Digital Exhibit, a highly exclusive honor. The project's subject matter revolved around Japanese internment at Manzanar and captured heavy emotions with a moving house set on the Nechita stage. Shelby maintains a 4.0 and has her college sights set on Cal Baptist, Azusa Pacific University, and Biola.

 

Favorite moment on the Nechita stage:

"High School Musical" because I was stationed stage left backstage and was able to see not only the faces of the cast, but also the expressions of the audience. Pure excitement!

 

When you're not producing art or working with the Nechita Tech Team, what are you doing?

Relaxing with my family, watching a movie, or hiking.

 

Finish this sentence - Ten years from now, I want to be...

...working for Disney!

 

What teacher made the most impact on you and why?

My Friends Christian art teacher, Mrs. Kim Forrest, as she always encouraged me and would say, "Shelby, you have a gift and I want you to use it!"

 

What inspires you?

The people around me, as they encourage me to constantly be a better version of myself.

 

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

How much I've thrown myself into the Nechita Tech experience and loved it.

 

Favorite Bible verse:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

Topics from this blog: Arts Meet a Lancer

Back