This week we Take Five with Grace Nevin, a fourth grader at Maple Road School who recently performed in an off-Broadway show, Pippi Longstocking. She loves to act and sing - and she's a prolific writer too. Be sure to go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, and see our bonus five with Grace.
1) How did you get involved with singing and acting?
My Mom and Dad say I was born an actress. I sing in the shower all the time and love to put on shows with my sisters and friends so I started taking voice lessons and acting classes with Martha Byrne, a famous actress.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My big sister, Annie, because she is a leader, she is very determined and works hard at school. She is also a very kind-hearted girl.
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
Deb "Zuke" Smith, my vocal coach. She's SO COOL. She gets to know her students and works with them to become better and better. She cares about me a lot and wants me to work hard to be successful- plus she has a really awesome swing in her backyard.
4) What is your favorite movie/book/character and why?
Pippi Longstocking! She makes everything into an adventure and she always jokes around and has fun wherever she goes.
5) Share something no one knows about you.
I like to write songs and stories. I have a book in my room filled with them.
Bet someday we'll get to hear your songs and stories, Grace! Keep up the good work. It's a wonderful thing when we do something we love so keep at it.
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Nominate the young people in your life who are great examples for us all. Drop us an e-mail at njoffice@strausnews.com and tell us who and why.
Bonus Five 6) What would most people be surprised to know about singing and acting?
A lot of hard work goes into warming up your voice, memorizing lyrics and rehearsing lines. It's not all glamorous all the time!
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
A genie lamp, so I can make a wish to go home, my Barbies and a lifetime supply of food.
8) Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.
I love spending time with my friends in my acting class. My friend Casey and I tape scenes together and sometimes we just crack up at one another and can't stop- he makes me laugh so hard.
9) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Working hard and being a good example. My Dad says it's important to be a good role model to my little sister, Bridget. She's only 4.
10) What do you do with your time when you are not acting and singing?
I like to ski in the winter and play softball in the spring but my all-time favorite thing to do is go to the beach with my family and friends in the summer.