Over the past couple weeks we have been honoring our seniors as they graduate The Academy and move on to the next chapter in their lives. We have also had a chance to interview a few seniors and senior families about their future plans, what they love about The Academy, and what they will miss most. See below for more from Grania McKirdie, Theatre. Next year, she will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an Evans Scholar acting major in the BFA program. She repeats something we talk about often at our school: the community.
“There’s a lot to love about The Academy, but something I love the most is the sense of community. We talk about it a lot. But it’s true; we are a family and we are always looking out for each other and cheering each other on. I wish my peers from other schools realized how special it is. Everyone in the building wants to be there and works to be a better student and artist everyday. It immediately feels like you’re home, and I’ll never forget the relationships I’ve made with my peers, teachers, and faculty members.”
Grania has been a major part of one of The Academy’s most cherished traditions: the annual AIDS Benefit.
“My favorite show at The Academy is the AIDS Benefit. I was lucky enough to be involved my freshman year through my senior year when I had the privilege of being the director. I think it’s the best show of the year because students from all departments get to come together and create a really spectacular show for an even greater cause.”
Grania also had some advice for new Academy students.
“As a senior, I want incoming students to know that they have permission to try new things and figure what it is they enjoy doing most. People are going to cheer you on even when you fail. And I wouldn’t change anything about my experience or The Academy. Even the bad days have made me who I am and have prepared me for the next chapter.”
Congratulations Grania!