The spotlight has chosen its next targets and three of our students are shining brightly on the stage.
Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) is a cultural institution dedicated to creative exploration, expression, and diversity. Located in Mount Sterling, it’s quite easy for students in surrounding communities to participate and get involved.
McKinley Harper, one of these participants and a current junior here at GRC, says it’s a very encouraging community.
“Everyone there is kind,” said Harper. “They all support each other and everyone has a different background. It doesn’t matter where you come from or if this is your first show, you are accepted no matter what.”
Sophomore Ella Pace says it’s one of her favorite places to be.
“It’s just such a family, we put on the best shows, and it just feels like home,” Pace said.
Aaliyah Daniel, also a sophomore, said her favorite part is connecting and socializing with more people.
“There are people from Bath County, Montgomery County, etc,” said Daniel. “There’s just such a variety of people I get to meet.”
Being in a new program can be scary because of the different ways of doing things, but Pace said she enjoys the change.
“I’ve been in Winchester for everything my whole life,” said Pace. “I’ve learned a lot about the differences, especially because most of the people there, I had never met before. It was so interesting to see how they cast it differently and how different opinions and views affected everything.”
Harper said that GRAC is a great learning experience for everyone involved.
“Everything else I have done has been pretty structured and built-up,” said Harper. “Everyone has done things and it’s not their first time doing it. Whereas, at GRAC, everyone’s learning for the first time. Everyone is vulnerable with each other.”
GRAC has many unique offerings for their participants.
“I’ve learned to be open to new opportunities,” Daniel said. “At first, I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone there. It’s just a way to make new friends and experience new opportunities.”
GRAC focuses on many lessons in and out of the arts. Harper said it helps you grow as a person.
“It’s a different environment in learning how to build yourself up in different kinds of situations,” Harper said, “that teaches you how to be comfortable and it helps build your confidence, your acting skills, your experience. The main director at GRAC brings many people in and you get to talk to them. It gives you more knowledge about what is to come in the future so you’re more prepared.”
The uplifting environment and atmosphere is what really draws new people into the center.
“It’s really a great place to be,” Pace said. “It will really feel like a second home when you’re there.”
