Celebrating Creativity: Chin Studio Honorees

The recent graduates were honored during a reception and unveiling at the Bozich Center’s Chin Studio. 

 

The accolade is tied to the Legacy Wall, established in 2023 by longtime Pueo supporters and alumni parents Ray and MaryBeth Chin inside the studio that bears their name. Each year, the Directors of Performing and Visual Arts select a standout representative from their respective programs who truly embodies Maui Prep’s Ten Commitments to Aloha through the creative arts. For the upcoming school year, a portrait of Dylan on stage in Matilda the Musical and a reproduction of Leah’s haunting charcoal print will be prominently displayed in the Chin Studio.

 

Dylan became a breakout star with her captivating performance as Miss Trunchbull in the fall production of Matilda the Musical. She demonstrated excellence not only on stage, but also in her commitment to the creative process, depth of character development, company leadership, and willingness to fully embrace artistic growth. Her memorable performance was punctuated by an unexpected back handspring during one of her numbers—a seamless integration of her rhythmic gymnastics training.

 

“Dylan helped raise the standard of the entire production through excellence, commitment, and artistry,” Mrs. Smith explained. “Her performance left a lasting impact not only on audiences, but on the future culture and expectations of Performing Arts at Maui Prep by fully committing to the process of evolution as a performer — remaining open to feedback, pushing beyond comfort zones, and continually refining her craft with maturity and professionalism.”

 

The Visual Arts honor was awarded to Leah Burns, who delivered a deeply moving and captivating AP Studio Art portfolio. Her work drew powerful inspiration from the tragic events of the August 8, 2023 wildfire, an inferno that claimed 2,200 structures, including the Burns family home.

 

Mrs. Stacey Coon said of Leah and her submission, “Leah not only has artistic insight, but her technical skills are extremely well-refined.” Coon also shared that while the selection committee initially debated whether a brighter, more optimistic piece would be better suited for the Legacy Award, the group kept circling back to Leah’s work. “It is real, it is part of our history and part of so many of our students’ journeys,” Mrs. Coon said in her tribute. “Using only the grey scale for mark-making, this piece communicates the emotion of loss with a calm and quiet poise.”

 

A Lasting Legacy

Ray and MaryBeth Chin, along with their daughter Chloe ’20, were on hand to witness the unveiling and congratulate the students. MaryBeth remarked that while artificial intelligence is replacing many modern tasks, it will never be able to duplicate the human spirit of the Arts. “AI has no heart, which is what you bring,” she commented.

 

The newest recipients join an esteemed lineup of past honorees. Previous Performing Arts winners include Tessa Chin in 2023, the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2024, and Logan Kalar in 2025. Past Visual Arts honorees include Margaux Perchard in 2023, Rebecca Ankney in 2024, and Avery Kirkham in 2025.