'High School Musical' with Candace Seda, Stephanie Seda, and Carla Cummins

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney’s 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explores how the film’s catchy tunes, teen drama, and feel-good message intersect with real-life high school experiences.

Set at the fictional East High School, High School Musical follows Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez as they challenge stereotypes, break out of their expected roles, and redefine what it means to belong. The conversation goes beyond choreography to unpack deeper themes of identity, student voice, peer pressure, and the often rigid boxes students are placed in.

Carla, Jenny, Candace, and Stephanie reflect on how the film’s message of “breaking free” still resonates with students today. They discuss the importance of cultivating environments where young people feel seen, safe, and empowered to pursue their full potential—whether on the court, in the lab, or on stage. Together, they celebrate the magic of student-centered learning while confronting the real challenges schools face in living that out.

 

Takeaways:

• Students are more than stereotypes. Just like Troy and Gabriella, students thrive when given the freedom to explore interests outside of their “assigned” labels. Schools should nurture the whole child—not just the athlete, the scholar, or the artist.
• When students try something outside of the norm, they need allies—peers, teachers, and parents—who encourage them to break free from expectations and find their voice.
• Culture eats curriculum for breakfast. A strong, inclusive school culture is the foundation for student growth. The environment at East High showed how cliques and unwritten rules can restrict potential.
• Candace reflected on how High School Musical—with its vibrant sets, energetic common spaces, and distinct zones for different student identities—influences how designers think about school environments today. The film reminds us that the physical space of a school tells a story. When designing schools, it’s not just about functionality; it’s about creating places where students feel inspired, seen, and connected.

 

 

About Candace Seda, NOMA, AIA, NCARB:

Candace Seda is an Atlanta-born architect with almost a decade of professional experience in the K-12, higher education, civic, and medical office sectors. She earned her B.S. Arch and M. Arch from the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in graphic design and sustainability. As the daughter of an educator, she channels her passion for education and community to create inspiring learning environments, positively impacting the educational experience for future generations. Candace leverages her graphic design expertise to craft visually compelling and cohesive spaces through experiential graphics.

Known for leading conversations on inclusion and equity, Candace aims to make quality design accessible to those historically excluded or overlooked, benefiting both clients and industry professionals.  She accomplishes this through her work at Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture, organizations like VANOMA and Diversity Architecture, as well as her design firm Candace Seda Design.

 

About Stephanie Seda:

Stephanie Seda, a 26-year-old 5th-grade teacher based in Athens, GA, is deeply committed to e