Senior vocal major Lilyanna Crawford-Abeita has spent her years at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts mastering her vocal skills and embracing her cultural heritage. As she prepares to graduate, Crawford-Abeita reflects on the valuable lessons she’s learned, offers advice to her freshman self, and reveals a lesser-known passion for Native American dancing that enriches her life beyond the classroom environment.
“Take things more seriously… Just try your best in everything,” Crawford-Abeita said is the advice she’d give to her freshman self. Reflecting on her personal growth, she noted, “Looking back to my freshman self, the things I said and did—I would cringe at them now. Oh my goodness, I’m a totally different person. I feel more mature now.” Her transformation was influenced by significant experiences, such as joining leadership in vocal and helping plan various parties, which taught her essential communication and teamwork skills. These experiences helped her gain confidence and maturity.
Crawford-Abeita says she wants to be remembered as the best party planner and decorator for vocal events. She’d make the parties happen, buy the decorations, create the sign-up sheets, and blow up countless balloons. Other than that, she doesn’t really care how she is remembered at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts because she knows she did her part and contributed meaningfully to the school community in many ways.
Outside of school, Crawford-Abeita finds solace in Native American dancing, a passion she holds incredibly close to her heart. “Not many people know this about me, and I struggle to bring it up in conversations without sounding like I’m bragging,” she admits. Dancing is a vital way for her to connect with her culture and express her identity. She has actively participated in several local cultural events, which have significantly strengthened her appreciation for her heritage and traditions.
