After the curtain fell on Hunter High’s production of “Moana Jr.,” the hallways buzzed with excitement. Parents beamed with pride, classmates shared hugs, and friends and family snapped photos. 

Amid the celebration, one actor quietly sat with his father, away from the noise.

This was no ordinary cast. The production featured a unified ensemble, where students of all abilities worked together, supporting each other with lines, music, and stage positioning in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

In the crowd was senior Whitney Rasmussen, who delivered a standout moment, belting out “I am Moana” to a heartfelt round of applause. 

Her mother smiled as she held back tears. 

“We’re so proud of her, and we’re grateful she was able to make it so powerful,” Christie Rasmussen said.

Unwavering spirit

Born nonverbal and diagnosed with autism at age five, Rasmussen’s parents were told she might never speak. 

Through years of speech therapy, Rasmussen mostly mimicked speech until age 11, when she amazed her family by responding “good” after asked how she was doing.

“My husband lifted her up and danced with her,” her mother remembered. “It was pure joy.”

Rasmussen’s favorite song, “How Far I’ll Go,” mirrors her personal journey.

“It’s Whitney’s song because it reflects on how far she’s come from her diagnosis to how far she’ll go. For her to perform it on stage is a blessing,” her mother said.

Rasmussen, who now loves singing and performing as a Hunter High cheerleader, also faces the challenges of epilepsy.

On opening night, Rasmussen had a seizure an hour before the show. 

“It was scary,” her mother admitted. “We were praying she’d make it through and would be able to perform. We always need to be ready to catch her if she were to collapse and fall.”

Rasmussen, who has daily focal onset seizures, also had a full seizure during rehearsal. Her mother is grateful to director Kjersti Parkes, who kept the other students focused so she could tend to her daughter.

“She wanted to be on stage with her friends,” her mother said. “This means a lot to them.”

Unified effort

The production showcased other unified cast members, each with their own journey. 

Sophomore Daniela Pacheco, who played Moana’s grandmother, memorized lines and sang a solo for the first time, moving her aide, Lynsay Carter, to tears.

“Seeing her progress from struggling to read to memorizing lines and performing them on stage, it’s why I do my job,” she said.

Senior Katelynn Thornwall, along with seniors Adrian Avelar and Jaydan Rich, portrayed the crab, Tamatoa; Thornwall was Tamatoa’s voice.

“Katelynn is really funny, and she has the ability to make everyone laugh,” Carter said. Classmates Jose Munoz Valle and Isaac Ramos Prieto shared the role of Maui, bringing their strength and talent to the character, Carter said.

All 18 students in the unified theatre program worked alongside their peers, painting giant masks and wrapping traditional Polynesian lavalavas they wore as costumes.

“This show is a reminder that every child, regardless of their abilities has a unique story to tell,” Parkes wrote in the program. 

Building bonds 

Those friendships fostered kindness.

Senior Alexa Anderson joined the program with friends, but after a conversation with a peer, her perspective shifted.

“When (the student) said, ‘I wish people were nicer and kinder here,’ it broke my heart,” Anderson said. “That’s when I decided to throw myself into helping.”

Hunter High’s unified theatre program, along with other inclusive sports and classes, promotes empathy and compassion. 

“Our kids help their peers become kinder and more aware of others’ hardships,” Rasmussen’s mother said. “It’s amazing to see these students work together and learn from each other.”

Carter agrees: “Our peer tutor are learning to be good influences, while our students are teaching them patience and love.”

Lasting impact

The unified theatre program has garnered support of Granite School District leaders, including Supt. Ben Horsley and board of education members, who attended the show. Former Supt. Rich Nye also continues to support the unified program.

Rasmussen’s mother praises the unified program’s impact.

“This is the only unified theatre program in the Granite School District, and possibly in the state,” she said. “It has built morale and made the school more inclusive.”

Carter believes the program has changed students’ lives. 

“Our students want to be a part of something, and the unified program gives them that opportunity where they can shine,” she said. “It has made a difference in students’ lives for the better.”λ