Arts Student of the Week: Sophie Hayes

After watching Niwot High School's first-ever Unified Theater production, "Descendants: The Musical" last year, Sophie Hayes was inspired to help and become a part of something she felt was so special.

The Unified Theater program brings together students with and without special needs through theater, and Hayes wanted to get involved. "Everybody showed passion in their roles," Hayes said, "and I was so impressed with how the Unified kids showed up and did their parts, that I wanted to be involved and help them."

According to drama teacher Amanda Foust, who selected Hayes as Arts Student of the Week, Hayes partnered with Jake Hostelley in the Unified Theater production of "High School Musical" where Hostelley played the part of Kelsi in the show. "As Jake's partner," Foust said, "Sophie helps with lines, blocking, and is Jake's dance partner. They make for a great duo and Sophie is a kind and supportive partner. She excels in class and is a true pleasure to have in class."

Hayes thoroughly enjoyed the partnership with Hostelley. "He is such a sweet person," she said, "that it brings me so much joy whenever I see him. He is nonverbal, which meant part of my job as his partner was saying his lines. Ms. Amanda did a great job directing the play, having Jake in the lead role while I said his lines. I helped him know where to go on stage and helped keep him focused on where he was supposed to be. Jake and I had some dances together as well. I loved watching him grow and learn and enjoy performing so much over the course of this past semester."

Hayes said that her favorite moment participating in NHS theater so far came just after "High School Musical" ended. "One of my co-stars, special needs student Taylor Tiegen, was so over the moon and proud of herself that she had just performed such an amazing show. Afterwards I went up to her and told her she was amazing, and she was so happy, her smile was so rewarding, and it was such a special moment that we got to share."

Although Hayes' experience with theater at NHS has been limited to Unified Theater and the production of "High School Musical," she feels that there is a great deal of support throughout the whole school. "Everybody in the show really cared about doing well in the play, along with a lot of support from the audience and the students who missed class to come watch," Hayes said.

"Theater is interesting because anyone can do it," she said. "Theater was never a part of something I thought I'd do, but over the course of this past semester I've really grown to love and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and talent involved in taking on a role." Although there are many shows Hayes enjoys, her favorite, she admits, is "West Side Story." She particularly appreciates the culture of the musical, and the way the story unfolds.

In addition to performing in theater, Hayes is an athlete. She plays competitive softball for the Colorado Royals, and also plays softball and swims on the Niwot High School teams.

Hayes is also involved in her church and youth group. She is a high school leader for Capernaum (a youth group for people with special needs), and is also a leader at Fellowship for Christian Athletes (a club in NHS). She also participated in speech and debate this past year for NHS.

"NHS is a great school full of opportunities," Hayes said. "The academics are very good with a staff of amazing teachers who really want you to learn and grow. Overall, I have really enjoyed my one-and-a-half years here at Niwot, and so many parts of it have shaped who I am today."

Hayes said that right now she wants to be a special education teacher. "I just love being around those with special needs, and I love helping and seeing them learn and grow and have fun. Until then, I have set my heart on serving at Young Life camp over the summer. Overall, my heart is open to where the Lord leads me and who He wants me to serve."