Standout Student: Evelyn Speers of Perpich Arts High School
The arts speak to senior Evelyn Speers, so attending Perpich Arts High School feels like a dream.
“Everday I kind of walk in feeling like it’s not real, everyday I’m here, it kind of feels like a dream that I’m here,” said Speers, a senior at Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley
There’s good reason the theater department holds power for the 17-year-old Speers.
“Before I came here my self-esteem was just like rock bottom, but then ever since I’ve gotten here, I’ve been able to express who I truly am and not be afraid to be whom I want to,” said Speers.
Amid the costumes and the props in the theater department, Speers found her voice.
This winter, Speers was cast as the lead role in “Seussical,” playing Cat in the Hat for the musical.
Fresh off a four day run of the show, Speers may describe herself as an outgoing introvert, but she’s a true leader at her school.
“Evelyn came to every rehearsal for the first rehearsal of every song with everything memorized,” said Janice Hunton, music faculty chair at Perpich. “So she set the bar really high for the rest of the cast, to say, this is what I’m doing, this is what I would hope you would do, and just by modeling that, she was an excellent leader.”
Hunton calls Speers a dedicated and talented artist and student who gives her all.
“She has this capacity to leave things outside the door and just come in with what needs to be done then and infusing it with joy,” said Hunton.
Speers finds joy in the arts, yet education is where she envisions her career.
“I want to become a teacher and like give people what my teachers gave to me when it comes to like confidence, when it comes to just discovering who I am, and being confident within myself,” said Speers.
As she’s learned at Perpich Arts High School, as long as she follows her passion for the arts, Evelyn Speers will always be right where she belongs.
“You will find your people, you don’t have to change yourself, you will be able to find the people who like truly matter and truly care about you without having to change who you are,” said Speers.
Speers will attend Saint Mary’s University in Winona. She plans to major in education with minors in theater and French.
