The Power of Voice: Five Speakers Imparting Knowledge on “The Park”

Have you ever noticed that everyone, even the stars, has a voice—a reason to speak, to act, and to be heard? On September 23rd, Buena Park High School hosted and filmed the first “At The Park” episode for BPTV’s live studio audience broadcast, in the school’s Performing Arts Center. The night’s focus revolved around ‘having a voice’, and featured five inspirational speakers who shared their experiences and stories with students at Buena Park High School.

The five guests who visited and spoke “At the Park” were Sunny Lukas, Rene Roberts, Logan Kishi, Christopher Michael Cagle, and Manny Pacheco. Each one of these speakers shared sage words and advice to impart with the younger student audience within the crowd.

Kicking off the night, Sunny Lukas performed four of his songs for the audience, an electric show with passion and lively energy. Sunny is a Chinese pop artist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He danced along on stage and among the crowd to his song Deja Vu, and even shared an unreleased song to give the audience a sneak peek of his upcoming music. After his performance, he gave students from the High school and Middle school students a chance to learn more about his profession and personal experiences, accepting their questions. One student had the opportunity to ask him to share a moment where something didn’t go as planned and how he handled that situation. Sunny responded by saying, “You have to give it all you got, the worst thing you can do is hold back.” He elaborated by explaining that when the music starts, he focuses on getting in character and overcoming the challenge.

Our second star speaker of the night, Rene Roberts, provided a very heart-touching and inspirational message. She shared the obstacles she overcame and her accomplishments throughout her lifetime, making it clear that she can do what any other person can do. When she was being asked about how cerebral palsy has affected her, she answers, “There’s nothing wrong with me; pay attention to me. I have something to offer.” Roberts shared there are no nice words to describe disability; she believes that people fall victim to the restriction that they are born with, but that shouldn't stop anyone from being a Champion. A Champion to her is someone who isn't sitting around dwelling on a victim mentality, which she has shown by being a 16-time sprint distance athlete and being a part of a dragon boat racing team that she still competes in to this day. When asking her about her opinion on how young women should view themselves if they want to attain a similar level of success, she said she wants every young woman to look in the mirror and be able to say “I got it.” She aspires for teenagers and people who have fallen to a victim mentality to push to do what they want in life.

The other 3 inspiring speakers also brought their own experiences to the event. Logan Kishi spoke about his work in Hotel Transylvania and pushing past all the obstacles in his career, to continue his life behind the camera. He loved hearing everyone's opinions and student questions backstage with BP’s Video Production and Journalism. Christopher Michael Cagle discussed his career in television and film. He elaborated on how he wants to break the typical "producer" aspect of movies by having a good connection with people. Manny Pacheco, a media broadcaster and journalist, shared his experience covering Hollywood history and entertainment, through his new book, The Blog.

This event showed students how people can use their experiences and talents to inspire others, knowing the power of their voice. “At The Park” combined real stories, entertainment, and creativity while giving the audience a chance to learn from people with different backgrounds. Buena Park High School and its programs appreciate the five speakers who came to speak and impart their valuable knowledge and solidify the importance of this next generation’s voice.