Melissa McLaughlin Named PERSONality of the Month at Fusion Academy & Learning Center South Bay

Accomplished Musician and Reality Show Persona Brings Talent and Passion to Alternative Private School

When you visit Fusion Academy & Learning Center South Bay, an alternative, college-prep private school offering one-to-one classes, personalized teaching methods and flexible scheduling for students in grades 6-12, you are greeted with the warm, welcoming smile of Melissa McLaughlin, the school’s friendly and outgoing Director of First Impressions. But what you may not know about McLaughlin is that she is an accomplished singer/songwriter and frequent reality show persona. For her sparkling personality and passion for creativity and self-expression, McLaughlin, of Hermosa Beach, is Fusion Academy South Bay’s PERSONality of the Month.

Originally from Sweetwater, Texas, McLaughlin grew up competing in talent shows and soon discovered she had a natural gift for singing. While pursuing a music degree at Howard Payne University, she auditioned for Royal Caribbean and was contracted with the cruise line during her senior year. Leaving school to pursue her dream, McLaughlin performed a solo act on Royal Caribbean cruises, paying tribute to female artists who had greatly influenced her life and musical career – LeAnn Rimes, Patsy Cline, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Tina Turner and Celine Dion.

“The most important part of pursuing your dreams, is to just get out there and love doing what you do,” said McLaughlin. “It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a fit every time; it’s about having fun and enjoying the journey.”

After five years at sea, McLaughlin moved to Los Angeles where she began auditioning for reality television shows, including Star Search and The Voice. She landed a spot on the Missy Elliott Project, although she had no experience rapping or dancing before. But ever the problem solver, McLaughlin used her gymnastics abilities from nine years of childhood training and tumbled instead, raising the bar at the audition with her can-do attitude. She also competed on the popular reality show Nashville Star, and was chosen during the same round as country music star, Miranda Lambert. McLaughlin is currently recording for an upcoming season of Don’t Forget the Lyrics, having been featured on the show the previous year. In total, she has auditioned for 17 different reality shows.

“Melissa is a shining example of what Fusion Academy is all about,” said Tracy-Lyn Forney, head of school. “An accomplished musician, she continues to pursue her dreams and is focused solely on doing what she loves, rather than chasing fame and fortune. Living her passion everyday through her musical gifts, Melissa personifies the Fusion model of fearless passion, originality, and freedom of self-expression.”

McLaughlin continues to write, produce and sell her music for use on reality shows and movie soundtracks, and is currently recording her own Christmas album. She frequently performs at local venues, and even sang with Jay Leno on New Year’s Eve last year.

“Coming to Fusion has been a huge part of helping me get to where I want to go,” McLaughlin continued. “Their focus on creativity, uniqueness, and living outside the box is something of which I love being a part!”

Parents interested in learning more about Fusion Academy & Learning Center South Bay are encouraged to contact the school at (310) 376-5139 to set up a tour or visit www.FusionSouthBay.com for more information.