April 17th,2026
Camden Academy students took the stage for a performance of Moana Jr., marking the school’s first musical since 2020. The production carried special significance, as students and staff worked hard to bring the stage back to life and create a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
The evening was full of the arts. An art gallery showcasing student work, led by Mr. Morrison, welcomed guests, followed by a night filled with singing and choreography. The cast of Moana Jr. featured students from all grade levels, from freshmen to seniors. From the opening scene to intermission, parents and attendees were amazed by the creativity of the set design, the vocals, and the humor shown throughout the musical.
Ms. Hayes, one of the play’s organizers, was impressed by the performance and the hard work the students put in to make the premiere a success.
“This was such a crazy experience,” Ms. Hayes explained. “Many of the students were performing on stage for the first time, and to watch them come together—I’m so proud.”
What made this production unique was that many of the students were part of the classes themselves, making the performance a major part of their coursework. Students took on roles both on stage and behind the scenes, working as part of the production crew as well. It truly was an Academy production by Academy students and staff.
One of the standout performers was Jennaliz Dejesus, a senior at Camden Academy, who was cast as Moana. With several solos and key scenes, she kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
“It was amazing,” Dejesus said. “It was new for me—this was my first time singing for an audience, and I was really proud of myself.”
Jeremiah Rosario, a sophomore, also took the stage as Maui, the demigod who accompanies Moana on her journey. Rosario embraced the role, especially during the performance of the iconic song “You’re Welcome.”
“It felt great to act on stage, to be honest,” Rosario said. “I saw some of myself in the character, and I felt like I was made for the role.”
From start to finish, the performance was a success. As Camden Academy’s first musical since the pandemic, Moana Jr. was more than just a show, it was a celebration of creativity, growth, and the return of the arts to the stage.