To the Editor:
Hello. My name is Dinéa Rose, and this is my first year going to school at Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

Coming to a new school was scary, and I was disappointed that I had to leave my friends and life back in Catskill. I was worried about joining a smaller school due to the fact they generally don’t have as much funding for things like the arts and music departments.

I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to continue with music. However, this school has been able to provide such a fulfilling experience.

Last year, I wanted to join the musical after being backstage, but I was so nervous to audition in a new school. I ended up playing the part of Georgia in “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree.”

Being in the show was an incredible new adventure that gave me a sense of belonging, purpose, and community, with total strangers who are now friends.

The music department has given me a warm welcome and more opportunities than I’ve had before, such as taking on a main role in the musical, performing solos in front of an audience of people, and leading my section in band and marching band.

Having a theater production is extremely important at any school because it gives kids who maybe aren’t into sports or clubs a refuge and an outlet for creativity. It gives us something to wake up and go to school for, something to look forward to, something to improve in, and something to get us out of our shells.

Dinéa Rose

BKW junior