For Paige Kenny, a senior and Co-President of West Haven High School Theatre Workshop, and Giovanni Avilez, a junior who performs with the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, the arts have become an important part of their high school experiences. Paige has been part of theatre for six years, including all four years of high school, while Giovanni has played flute in band since seventh grade. Though their programs are different, both students have found memorable experiences through the time they have spent performing and creating.
For Paige, some of her favorite theatre memories come from the moments that happen after months of preparation finally reach the stage. “My favorite memory of theatre is the final moments of every performance, watching the people you’ve worked side by side with for months take their bows and the curtain closing on you and the cast while you celebrate your show behind it before running to the lobby to see your family and friends is a feeling like no other.”
Giovanni has found similar excitement in seeing the work of his fellow musicians come together, both during performances and competitions. “Some of my favorite moments are being on stage or on the field and just hearing and seeing all of our hard work pay off. I also love the Senior performances. The competitions are always fun, too.”
Beyond her work in theatre, Paige has taken on a number of responsibilities throughout high school while continuing to prioritize what matters to her. “I’m really proud of how I’ve managed my time. Outside of theater I’m the captain of the girls lacrosse team, work, as well as keep my grades up. All of these things are so important to me and learning how to manage my time to give each of these activities my all is something I’m really proud of.”
Giovanni has also found ways to express himself outside of performing, including through his own creative work and his academic accomplishments. “I’m proud of the music I compose, and I’m also proud of the balance I’ve been able to maintain with my academics. I work really hard to make sure I perform well on the stage, but I work equally, if not more, hard in the classroom.”
Looking ahead, both students have already begun thinking about how they want to continue pursuing their interests after graduation. Paige plans to attend college to study psychology, with the goal of earning a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and eventually becoming certified as a Pediatric Speech Therapist. Giovanni hopes to study Performance Arts, Music Composition, and Creative Writing in college, with Juilliard among the schools he would like to attend.
The people around them have also played an important role in shaping their experiences. For Paige, one person in particular has supported her throughout the different commitments she has taken on. “My mom has put almost as much time as I have into everything I do, I’m so grateful for her dedication to helping me be the best I can be in the things that I love. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.” Giovanni named several people who have influenced him, including teachers, friends, family, and his peers. “Mrs. Lupacchino, definitely. Mr. Scanlon, Mrs. Cara, my friends, and family. And all of my peers who, despite not knowing me, are supportive no matter what.”
For Paige and Giovanni, their time in the arts has given them experiences that extend beyond the performances themselves. As they look toward what comes next, both are continuing to pursue the interests that have become meaningful parts of their high school years.
