Freshman Student Statement.

Before theatre, I was someone who stayed quiet and didn’t always feel seen. I remember eating lunch alone or sitting in empty classrooms, feeling like I didn’t really belong anywhere. That started to change when I met Mr. Cobb and Mrs. Thomas. They welcomed me in, gave me a chance, and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself yet.

It’s hard to explain, but when the lights come up, and you step into a character, you also start discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know were there. Theatre isn’t just acting, it’s trust, vulnerability, and courage. It’s memorizing lines late at night, fixing mistakes during rehearsals, and feeling your heart race right before you walk on stage. And then there’s that moment when everything comes together, and you realize you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

What makes theatre so powerful is how it connects people. A story on stage can make someone laugh, cry, or feel understood in a way nothing else can. I’ve seen how a single performance can stay with someone long after the curtain closes, and being part of that is something I’ll never forget.

Theatre gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and a place where I could truly be myself. And it’s not just theatre. It’s choir, band, art, all of it matters. These programs give students purpose and opportunities, and for many of us, they shape our futures. Some of the most dedicated and high-achieving students in our school are in fine arts, working hard both academically and creatively. It’s hard to see programs like this get pushed aside when they mean so much to so many people.

Even though it doesn’t seem like we are as important as sports, we are all still students trying to figure things out. By holding a majority of students back, they might never get the chance to do great things through our company and other fine arts. We deserve to be heard just as much as any other extracurricular. As Mr. Cobb told us, “Leave a ghost.” 

#savefosterfinearts #fundfinearts