High school is not the easiest place in the world. There is the pressure to excel in studies and yet you still need to find time for movies, malls and life in general.

Nevertheless, the biggest pressure in high school must be fitting in and making friends.

Disney’s High School Musical has a lot to say about friendship, care and respect among students in high school. In addition to its cool and catchy music, dance and gorgeous teen stars, Disney’s High School Musical shares positive messages about being true to yourself and appreciating friendship.

Remember how Gabriella Montez, the maths and science genius, had trouble fitting in the movie? Well, she eventually found a group that accepted her for who she is.

Troy Bolton and Chad Danforth had their ups and downs in their friendship, and even mousy Kelsi Nielsen managed to make friends by the end of the movie.

High School Musical fan Mariam Hashim.

“I think that the friendship shown in the High School Musical movies is really precious. It’s the kind of friendship that is hard to find and even harder to maintain,” says Mariam Hashim, an ardent Disney’s High School Musical fan.

While being a true teenage love story the real highlight of the film is the message that encourages kids to support their friends in whatever they do, so long as it is wholesome and constructive, rather than imposing the strict limits of group culture on individuals.

Disney’s High School Musical presents the social concerns teenagers face in a non-threatening, win-win way. Instead of allowing the underdog to prevail over the evil popular crowd, the film brings students together and recognises each person’s talent and contribution.

“I cherish the friendship that I have with my friends and even though we had some misunderstandings in the past, we can all look back now and laugh at how we fought over the most ridiculous stuff,” says Mariam. She strongly believes that the Disney’s High School Musical movies provide great examples on how to be a good friend.

“It teaches you things like backing up your friends, staying together, not succumbing to bullies, supporting each other and not teasing others.”

Disney’s High School Musical is an uplifting story that binds kids from all walks of life and is an effective way to teach them the value of respecting and appreciating those from different social and culture groups through the power of music, song and dance.

Remember, in high school … you don’t have to Stick To Your Status Quo.

Catch the fever at Disney’s High School Musical: Summer Celebration! from Dec 1-6 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Showtimes are at 3pm and 8pm. Ticket prices range from RM58 to RM283 and are on sale now through Ticket Pro Hotline (03-7880 7999). For more details on ticket prices, special packages and seating allocations, log on to www.ticketpro.com.my. To buy tickets for corporate sales and dinner packages only, call 03-2283 1516. R.AGE is the official media partner for Disney’s High School Musical: Summer Celebra-tion!