By Megan Johnson, Rachel Lamb, Melanie Parrish and Delaney Smith
Students enjoy After Prom activities
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Prom court 2014 celebrates crowning
Photos by Delaney Smith and Megan Johnson
Groups arrive for Prom 2014
By Delaney Smith, Megan Johnson, and Melanie Parrish
Orchestra members prepare for state qualifiers this Saturday
By Megan Johnson
Twenty-five years. For some people, it is an amount of time that can fly by. To others, it feels almost as if it is an eternity. However, to the orchestra students, 25 years marks a significant anniversary for the art that they love.
On Saturday, the orchestra will be headed to state qualifiers for the 25th time in a row. Several of the orchestra members are elated to be a part of this event , including junior Garrett Metz.
“I’m very excited because my dad was a cello player who was involved in going to state for the first time,” said Metz.
Other members, however, claim to be feeling a sense of nervousness, such as junior Layne Hartman .
“We are competing with seven other schools, but nerves always come with performing,” he said.
However, members like sophomore Shannon O’Brien feel nerves take away from the experience.
“Being nervous doesn’t help anyone; I try and stay calm and encourage others to do the same,” said O’Brien.
Several classical numbers will be played, including “Danzon” by Antonio Marquez, “Pas de Deux” by Tchaikovsky and the first movement of Dvorak’s 8th symphony.
Hartman shared that orchestra is not all fun and games; it requires a lot of work.
“Being in orchestra requires a time commitment, but it really requires effort. We must play the correct notes together and play them with style. We have to make beautiful music, and that isn’t easy,” he said.
Metz explained that orchestra has not only taught him the art of working together with others, but how to manage his time around his activity. Metz also shared an interesting fact that of which orchestra inspires.
“You use a completely different part of your brain to create music. Plus, you’re not only working by yourself, you’re working with 60 other people,” said Metz.
O’Brien summed up her orchestra experience in one simple sentence.
“It takes patience, persistence and lots of sass.”
Theatre seniors rise to inspirational finale
By Megan Johnson
Senior year. The finale of a teen’s high school career. Some feel it is the last time they will ever been seen as a teenager and the first time they will be seen as an adult. However, for some teens involved in theatre, their “finale” is very literal.
Theatre seniors experienced such a finale last weekend in “Pride and Prejudice.” Within this show, some of the seniors had major roles. Other cast members like sophomore Ashley Denny said seniors displayed leadership in playing their roles.
“They’re very helpful, dedicated and hard working actors,” she said.
Denny said that senior Savannah Wormley taught her how to work hard during performances, but also enjoy herself.
Wormley shared that theatre has not always been her main priority. However, over the years it has become a major part of her life.
“Theatre is what got me to come out of my shell. I’m not exactly shy, but theatre really takes away inhibitions, you become very outgoing,” said Wormley.
Sophomore Henry Miller said his inspiration comes from not only one actor, but two: seniors Clay Gulley and Collin Jackson.
“They have taught me that theater is tough because you have a lot of competition, but a lot of people want you to succeed,” said Miller.
Jackson explained that theatre has always been a part of his life.
“I feel like it’s just a part of me. I don’t experience what I feel on stage anywhere else. I just can’t not do it,” he said.
Miller shared that he sees both of these actors as very talented and wishes to succeed as they have.
Theatre director Robbie Steiner said Gulley stood out amongst his peers as a true leader.
“He’s the thespian president and a great example of somebody who works very hard. He’s humble, he cares for his peers and makes effort to be a good role model,” said Steiner.
Steiner shared that Gulley has matured since his freshman year and has become a hard-working, poised young man.
Gulley shared that this maturity has mainly blossomed within the past year.
“The fact that I’m almost 18 and about to graduate has really given me perspective on things. To accept that you’re growing up requires some maturity, and I think some of that maturity has transcended into my performances,” said Gulley.
With all four years of experience and growth in theatre, Gulley leaves with high hopes for the up and coming leaders.
“I believe that anyone who is true to their passions, is hardworking and above all, truly respectful of others has the potential to truly be a wonderful leader. Theatre is a fire within the performer and only he can keep it ablaze.”
Additional reporting by Melanie Parrish.