Arts Student of the Week-Rianna Rickford

Vocalist Rianna Rickford loves to perform, whether it's in Niwot's prestigious Evenstar choir, or in a theater department musical, such as Cinderella or Little Shop of Horrors. For choir director Laura Roberts, Rickford's dedication to her craft is nothing short of inspiring.

"She is probably one of the most improved singers in the choir program," Walters wrote of the senior, who is currently a member of the school's Evenstar choir, and is deeply involved in the fall musical. "She has the biggest heart. She is definitely respected and loved by her classmates... She is upbeat, and motivated, and really gives the choir and theater programs her everything."

Rickford has been singing in choirs since elementary school, but became serious about performing when she got to Niwot. So far, her favorite role was in The Addams Family, but she has performed in nearly every theater production since her freshman year, and also lends her talents to backstage challenges.

"When we started doing Addams Family, I was put in charge of helping with the makeup. And then when I became a student director for Little Shop of Horrors, they also put me in charge of helping design costumes."

It's a role she'll reprise for Niwot's upcoming production of "Peter and the Starcatcher," a musical set in Victorian England that adds elements of Oliver Twist to the legend of Peter Pan. It calls for period costumes, and Rickford is finding inspiration from other shows and plays set during the same timeframe.

When she's not on or behind the stage for Niwot, Rickford enjoys listening to and singing show tunes. After graduation, she plans to attend Aims Community College and then UNC for an education degree. Eventually, she plans to teach high school, and continue lending her talents to community theater and student productions.