Melodies and Models to Celebrate OCLA's 50th

By Andrew Yan

October 11, 2023

Ava Turner strikes a pose to showcase a clothing line.

Elijah Mei, Andrew Yan, and Vivian Huang work on creating a balloon arch.

On September 23, 2023, volunteers of the Fiato Foundation attended the 50th year anniversary of the OCLA fashion show, at the New Life Community Church in Artesia. Each of the volunteers were given various different roles to help out, varying from photography, to modeling, to performing with their musical talent. Arriving early, the volunteers (Caleb Tsai, Elijah Mei, Andrew Yan, Ava Turner, Vivian Huang, Julian Fajardo, Ashlyn Sze, Kohana Maguadog, and Adam Neulander) had much time to prepare, and were asked to help out with general set up around the event. This included anything from blowing up balloons to create a balloon arch, to serving food for the children and attendees. The volunteers poured out their hard work to be able to allow the audience and children participating to be able to enjoy the show to their best potential.

Caleb Tsai (left) and Adam Neulander (right) perform J.S. Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor.

As the event started, performers from our group watched in excitement as they waited for their turn to perform. First to perform were Caleb Tsai and Andrew Yan, who were playing a violin-piano duet on a rendition of “Ave Maria”. Caleb stayed on stage, where he, along with Julian Fajardo and Ashlyn Sze, performed their performance of “Hallelujah.” Ashlyn and Julian sang side by side together. To close off our performance, we watched as Caleb finally performed with Adam Neulander. They showed off their expertise with the violin in a cohesive and masterful violin duet.

Kohana Maguadog showcases a shirt from Hot Topic/Box Lunch.

Continuing on with the event, the members of the Fiato Foundation watched and applauded as the children of the Olive Crest Adoption Agency walked on stage, displaying various fashion brands that were sponsoring them. Alongside them, Ava Turner and Kohana Maguadog showed off their talent for modeling, striking different poses and various clothing. Some familiar students joined them who had been taught at the previous teaching day.

As shown by our fabulous performers and impressive models, it is obvious that even through working and serving, you can find fun through helping and providing. Whether it be through musical talent, or just being able to take pictures like Vivian Huang and Elijah Mei, we can find joy through serving.