05/30/2026
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS FUND AUDITORIUM UPGRADES
The power of community partnerships is on full display at Corwin International Magnet School, where $16,000 in auditorium upgrades — funded through the support of the El Pomar Foundation and CommonSpirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital — are helping transform the school’s performing arts space.
The improvements include new stage curtains, a podium, and additional storage for costumes, lighting and music equipment, creating a more functional and inspiring environment for student performers.
Students, staff and representatives from El Pomar Foundation and CommonSpirit/St. Mary-Corwin Hospital gathered to celebrate the renovations during a special assembly that featured a screening of the Drama Club production “Goodbye to CIMS,” directed by Jennifer Newland, along with a performance by the school’s eighth-grade band and orchestra under the direction of Scott King.
For eighth grader Arlie A., who discovered a passion for performing through drama, the upgrades represent far more than new equipment.
“Although I’ve only been in drama class for a short period of time, it has made such an impact on me,” Arlie said. “From making countless new friends to growing my performance skills, drama has been a place for me to explore my passion for performing.”
She added that the auditorium provides students with a place to discover their passions and express themselves creatively.
“This auditorium is a place for students to find their ‘thing,’” Arlie said. “The students at CIMS are lucky to have access to this space, where we can express ourselves through performance. Having a functioning and engaging environment, like this auditorium, truly does make a difference in our learning experience.”
Arlie also reflected on the condition of the auditorium before the renovations.
“There were tears and holes in our curtains, backstage was so messy and unorganized, and the props were constantly getting lost and broken,” she said.
“Now, with our new auditorium equipment, we can produce, perform and create more magic on the CIMS stage. So, I want to say thank you to the volunteers, CommonSpirit and the El Pomar Foundation, for making this difference for our school and arts community.”
Corwin International Magnet School has long enjoyed a strong partnership with CommonSpirit/St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, whose continued support has helped expand educational opportunities and enrich student experiences through the years.