Making Magic Happen
with Moana Jr. 

2023-2024 School Year Grant:  $1,500 

Last year, Elizabeth Schorr, the music teacher at Cunniff Elementary School, had a vision: create a program where every child can experience the magic of theater, regardless of their background, experience, financial resources, or abilities. She decided staging Moana Jr. and inviting every student in grades 3 through 5 to participate was the perfect way to get this done.  She only had one small challenge:  she needed funds for essential costs, including sets, props and costumes. To help her overcome this hurdle, the Watertown Community Foundation awarded Ms. Schorr a $1,500 School Program grant. 

With funding in hand, Ms. Schorr went public with her bold idea. The response was electric! Parents, staff, and community members came together to support the production, contributing time, materials, and additional funding. In total 86 students participated in the program, backed by over 40 caregiver volunteers, 12 dedicated staff members, and six middle school helpers.  

Ms. Schorr and her team embraced inclusivity at every turn, making this program accessible to all students.  Every 3rd, 4th and 5th grader who wanted to participate was welcomed, and individualized support ensured every student had a chance to shine. The program’s focus on teamwork, social-emotional development, and creativity left a lasting impact on students. “Being part of the play gave me the courage to try new things,” one student shared. 

Led by Ms. Schorr and backed by the Cunniff School community of educators, parents and volunteers, Moana Jr. became a box office phenomenon. The success of the two planned performances expanded to five sold-out shows, including an understudy showcase.  Superintendent Galdston recognized and honored the teachers who volunteered countless hours with well-deserved honorarium. Ms Schorr’s dedication to Moana Jr. and all Cunniff’s students helped her earn the 2024 Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Outstanding Educator of the Year award.  

Building on this success, Ms. Schorr is taking theater programing at Cunniff Elementary even further. In partnership with Studio Playground, a performing arts organization focused on social change, the Cunniff will offer theater workshops designed to teach empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution through storytelling and acting. To help fund this initiative, the Watertown Community Foundation proudly awarded Ms. Schorr a $2,000 grant for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Reflecting on the Foundation’s involvement in the success of Moana Jr., Ms. Schorr shared, “I have worked in four school districts, and Watertown is the first where there has been a Community Foundation that is so supportive of and engaged with the public schools. It truly enhances what we can accomplish.” 

At the Watertown Community Foundation, we believe in the power of community giving to create meaningful change. “Our grants to the Watertown Public Schools enhance enrichment programs and pilot projects that may otherwise not be funded,” said Tia Tilson, Executive Director. “Moana Jr. is a great example of how community generosity and support can unlock and showcase the potential of our schools, educators, and students.”