Arts Student of the Week - Prugh Dunfee

Even though she is only a freshman, Arts Student of the Week Prugh Dunfee has already chalked up an impressive list of accomplishments in her first year at Niwot High School. She is a member of the Chamber Singers and the District Honor Choir, she had a role in the Niwot High School production of "Beauty and the Beast," and she is a valued student in the NHS Music Theater Class.

"She is in Chamber Singers as a freshman," said Dunfee's drama teacher Laura Walters, "and has auditioned into our top auditioned ensemble, Evenstar, for her sophomore year. She was in our music theater class in the fall and blew everyone away with her incredible performances."

Walters has encouraged Dunfee's talent and chose the freshman for a role in the recent spring musical. "She auditioned and made it into our district honor choir," Walters said. "She was one of only three understudies in 'Beauty and the Beast.' She was a fabulous Mrs. Potts in the production."

"I was the understudy for Mrs. Potts," Dunfee said, "and got to go on for one performance! It was such a great experience, and I loved everyone involved in 'Beauty and the Beast.'"

Dunfee's family has provided inspiration and encouragement. Both of her parents are heavily involved in music and theater. Her mother is an actress and her father is a piano player. "I've grown up around it and eventually learned to love it!" Dunfee said.

Although Dunfee has not been at NHS very long, she loves the music program and she finds all of the teachers and staff welcoming and kind to new students. "I enjoy all the concerts, and look forward to choir class every day," she said. "I love being able to express myself through music at school."

Outside of school, Dunfee enjoys singing songs by Pinkzebra, a successful music producer and composer known for his uplifting and inspiring songs. One of her favorite musicals is "Anastasia," and some of her favorite actors are Christian Borle and Christy Altomore. She describes her participation in theater as a deep passion. "Some of my favorite moments come from being able to perform with my best friends on stage. It's honestly the best experience to be able to have those memories," she said.

Dunfee is currently in rehearsal for "The Sound of Music" and she has done several shows at BDT Stage, including "White Christmas" and "Annie." In her free time she loves writing, reading, cooking and snuggling her cats. For now she has not made any definite plans for the future. "I know I would love to pursue my love for music and theater someday," she confessed.

"Prugh is simply a joy to everyone around her," Walters said. "In addition to being very talented, she is very kind, encouraging, and uplifting to all her peers and fellow performers. I can't wait to see where she goes in our choir and theater program throughout high school!"