As they prepare to graduate, three students from the Class of 2025 plan to carry their interest in the arts into their college educations and careers.
Senior Sophia Ellis plans to pursue performing arts by majoring in theater studies at Montclair State University. She hopes to concentrate in performance in musical theater, but she’s also open to a possible double major in hospitality.
“Theater is definitely something that I want to continue to broaden my knowledge of, and I’m also hoping it goes into larger things,” Ellis said. “The studying of performance and hospitality may make it easier to enter into cruise ships, which I’m interested in pursuing after college.”
Along with performing in every Pinewood production during her high school career, Ellis often participates backstage by helping with props, microphones, costumes, and other elements of any production. Ellis noted that the community she finds in theater productions at Pinewood is one of her favorite parts of performing.
“To me, I think it is truly what the best part of theater is,” Ellis said. “I think it’s really amazing to be with people who I truly feel I’m closest with.”
Senior Gabby Yang will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, where she plans to study both art and chemistry. She cites a flame test lab from her sophomore year chemistry class, which featured various metals changing the color of a flame, as a spark for her interest in tying together visual art and chemistry. She later returned to the chemistry room to take a photo for her AP Art portfolio.
“I experimented a little more because I wanted to try something new,” Yang said. “I ended up putting a spectroscope in front of my camera lens, and it created a rainbow effect.”
Senior Marley Thornson also plans to weave together her creative interests with a different field by majoring in Graphic Communications at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Thornson has taken Pinewood’s Studio Art classes and AP Art while also participating in Tech Theater and helping with props for shows. Recently, she has spent more time learning about graphic design.
“I did want to try doing something creative while still being marketable, so that’s why I’ve followed graphic design,” Thornson said. “I honestly think I do really enjoy the art of it.”
To Thornson, combining design with marketing gives her the opportunity to explore her interest in psychology and human expression. She would advise other students interested in the arts to examine the lifestyle they picture for themselves and whether they’re willing to put in the effort to achieve it.
“Whether you believe you have the talent or not, are you ready to put in the work towards it?” Thornson said. “No matter what program you’re a part of, it’s your effort that makes you better.”
