Family Spotlight: Shining in School and on Stage
The Tarwasokono kids know what it’s like to be in the spotlight. Siblings Pearry, Benjamin, and Isabella all love musical theater, and have found themselves taking on the roles of the Tin Man, Michael Banks, Sina and of course, student throughout their time at Visions. With the ability to set their own schedules and pursue their interests, it was easy for the siblings to play each part.
“Visions gives me plenty of opportunities for extracurricular courses of personal enjoyment,” says Pearry, a Class of 2024 graduate of our Home School Academy.
“They have the flexibility to pursue things that they enjoy and that encourages them to work harder and try things that they probably wouldn’t have been able to,” adds mom, Sarah.
Taking advantage of this flexibility, Pearry, Benjamin and Isabella have participated in Outschool classes, dual enrollment, and musical theater, taking the stage for productions of The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Moana JR. For one of the performances, Benjamin and Pearry even had a special guest in attendance – their Visions counselor, Deanna Stevenson.
“I attended the musical Mary Poppins. Pearry was a lead as Bert and Benjamin played Michael. They are very talented brothers,” says Deanna.
“I was so happy that she [Deanna] was able to come see it,” shares Pearry. Benjamin adds, “It felt nice to know that people came to watch me perform.”
Check out the photo gallery below for picture of the family performing together!
Other Visions staff members also had the opportunity to see Pearry perform at our 2024 graduation ceremonies – see the video below!
Finding Their Role
The Tarwasokonos have been homeschooling since Pearry started school. A friend had recommended Visions, and after joining, the family fell in love with the personalized education and flexible schedule and have been enrolled at Visions ever since.
Now, Pearry is an alumnus, Isabella is a 10th grader in our University Prep Early College Academy, and Benjamin is a 7th grader in our Home School Academy. As they continue through their years at Visions, they are learning how to manage their time, create space for their passions, and find support along the way.
“I like Visions because I enjoy working at my own pace while still having the support of my teachers,” says Isabella.
“My older two children have learned over time to manage their own schedules and prioritize things, and as a result, they are becoming more independent, and I truly believe that is a reflection of being able to learn at home,” says Sarah.
The Final Act
Outside of school and theater, Pearry enjoys playing the piano, exercising, and spending time with friends. Benjamin is a dancer and chess player, and also loves solving Rubix cubes. Isabella is a talented artist and guitar player, and while she and Benjamin will continue to pursue their education at Visions, Pearry will soon be heading to UCLA to study Musical Theater.
“[Visions has] been a wonderful experience and I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to homeschool my children through Visions,” says Sarah.
Behind-the-Scenes
What is the biggest challenge with performing/doing musical theater?
“Keeping track of everything, such as props and costume changes.” – Pearry
“Learning lines.” -Benjamin
“Learning choreography is challenging for me.” – Isabella
What was your favorite scene or musical number and why?
“Supercal(ifragilisticexpialidocious), because of the intense dancing!” – Pearry
“Supercal as well, the dance was a lot of fun!” – Benjamin
“I liked ‘Where You Are’ [From Moana JR.] because I liked the song.” – Isabella
