Katelyn Baker
First show: AIDA (Ensemble)
Earliest memory at Paragon: Nicole being very annoyed with level 2 during AIDA because we could not remember our 4 measures of “ahhh”’s.
Favorite memory: While there are so many, but probably sitting in the lobby with Sophia, Nina, and Sadie during DAMN YANKEES and doing our own dances during all of the numbers and feasting on our snacks from Rite Aid!
Favorite show and why: LITTLE WOMEN! Everything about that show made me so happy even though I wasn’t a major role. I loved meeting some of the adults during that show and I learned a lot in that year!
What have you learned during your time at Paragon: So much! Most importantly thought how to be ok with being outside of my comfort zone!
After high school plans: I am attending Grove City College in the fall and majoring in marketing!
Any parting words: Thank you to everyone who I have met at my time at Paragon you all have made this place such a special place to me, especially Deb. Also, thank you to my parents who drove me to all the Saturday morning rehearsals!
Logan Mlecko
First show: SNOOPY!!! I was in the ensemble.
Earliest memory at Paragon: My earliest memory at Paragon was doing the SNOOPY!!! audition with only having joined two classes before, which meant only two days of learning the dance.
Favorite memory: The first run through of Revolting Children (MATILDA) with everybody. It was the most energetic the room had ever been!
Favorite show and why: INTO THE WOODS. I love the story and how all the songs flow through it
I have learned how to perform an engaging improve.
After high school plans: I will be attending Kent State and I hope to do something with art or theater
Any parting words: My first experience with theatre was in 7th grade and, honestly, after my school musical I was lost and didn’t really know where to go from there. My mom wanted to help me, so she looked up acting and musical theatre classes and she found Paragon. Coincidentally, one of my friends from my 7th grade musical also went here so I was able to transition comfortably. Throughout my years here, Deb has fostered my love for theatre so much through acting, musicals, and voice lessons. I would not be where I am right now if it wasn’t for her direction and guidance, and I cannot thank her enough.
To my fellow cast members, thank you for being there with me these past few years. You have truly made me feel at home and I have made some of my closest friendships here. And to those who I will be leaving behind and who will have to step up next year, I believe Paragon is in great hands. My underclassmen are all incredible performers in their own right and I cannot wait to see what Paragon will do next!
Sophia Burik
First show: Orphan in OLIVER.
Earliest memory at Paragon: When the cast of SNOOPY!!! was being asked to bring in terrible towels and Logan raised his hand and asked, “So should we just bring in some old dirty towels?”
Favorite memory: Quinn, Katelyn, and I dancing backstage to Shake, Rattle and Roll while the cast of CLUE took their bows.
Favorite show and why: LITTLE WOMEN. It was my first featured role, I got to wear a petticoat, I got to learn how to waltz, and I accidentally went on stage barefoot during a show.
What have you learned at Paragon: To say “thank you places” when given the places call. Always be kind, working hard gets you where you want to be. To thank your stagehands and directors. On time is late. The Meisner Method of acting. How to perform in theatre in the round. I learned what a monologue was. To tap! You’re never truly memorized enough. Be prepared. Honesty is the best policy. And I’ve also learned how much I love theatre.
After high school plans: I will be attending Five Towns College for a BFA in Musical Theatre.
Parting words: I can’t believe it’s finally time to say goodbye. To say I’ll miss Paragon is such an understatement. This studio has become my second family. I’ve grown so much here as an actor and person. Deb truly cares about each and every one of her students. She is the definition of tough love. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I also want to thank my voice teachers from Paragon over the years. Olivia and Nicole, you are both the sweetest people in the world. Thank you for teaching me to use my voice, but also being there to listen to my rants and accomplishments. Thank you to my fellow students who have accepted me with open, loving arms. The countless memories and friendships I have made at Paragon make saying goodbye so hard. Lastly, I want to thank my family and friends, especially my mom and dad. Your faith in me has kept me going for so long and you support me in everything I do. Thank you for your belief in me to follow my dreams. I can’t wait to make you proud.
Regan Borsh
First show: SEUSSICAL! I was a Who.
Earliest memory at Paragon: Backstage of SEUSSICAL making puzzles while we waited to go onstage.
Favorite memory: All of us trying not to giggle during the frozen scene in MATILDA.
Favorite show: MATILDA because it was such a good cast and everyone worked hard and put in the same amount of effort. At school, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at high school. It was my dream show.
What have you learned at Paragon: I’ve definitely learned how to open myself up to more new people.
After high school plans: I will be attending Slippery Rock University majoring in K-4 grade education.
Nina Lee
First show: LITTLE WOMEN (Troll/Ensemble)
Earliest memory at Paragon: Walking in for the first time and seeing everyone smiling and waving. No one knew me at all, but I felt welcomed right from the start.
Favorite memory: A few of us level 4 kids took the roles of newsies (ironically) in the adult production of DAMN YANKEES. Sophia, Sadie, Katelyn, and I had so much fun backstage and out in the lobby! One night something got a little messed up and I felt like I was swinging my fake newspaper around forever waiting to say my line. Probably no one else noticed it, but it felt like forever to me!
Favorite show and why: CHICAGO or NEWSIES! CHICAGO was so thrilling and full of personality. NEWSIES, on the other hand, would be my favorite because of my role. Race is so fun to play.
What have you learned during your time at Paragon: I’ve learned what community is. I’ve learned that you can walk into a room full of strangers and become best friends.
After high school plans: I plan to go to Slippery Rock University for a major in Secondary Education Social Studies and a minor in Theatre.
Any parting words: To all my Paragon friends and staff – thank you for everything! Being here has meant the world to me and I don’t know what I would do without you all. Everyone was always quick to support and cheer me up and I will be forever grateful for that. From my first audition, to Abby telling me to point my toes, to revolting and spelling it how I’d like, and seizing the day…I can’t thank everyone enough. I’m going to miss everyone so much and I can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes!
Addison Lee
First show: CHICAGO
Earliest memory at Paragon: Asking what blocking was and everyone staring at me like I had two heads.
Favorite memory: At the end of CHICAGO, running up to Deb and thanking her because I loved it so much and was so thankful for the experience and the friends I made.
Favorite show and why: CHICAGO because the choreography was super fun and I loved the character I got to portray.
What have you learned: I’ve learned to become more confident in myself. When I first got here I had trouble even singing on my own because I was so afraid of messing up or the other kids making fun of me, but as I went on I learned how much of a judgement free zone this really is and that everyone makes mistakes you just fix them.
After high school plans: I’m going to Slippery Rock University to major in Environmental Geosciences to one day work for the DEP or American Water, but I also hope to keep doing theatre because it is now one of the most important parts of my life.
Parting words: I’d like to thank Deb for being such an amazing director. Our shows would never ever reach the level they do without her. She doesn’t just put energy into our shows, she puts in passion! There’s nobody like her, she definitely lives up to the name “Paragon.” I’d also like to thank my fellow seniors for always being at my side. I love you guys so so much and you have helped mold me into the person I am today. To the rest of level 4, I have no doubt you will be able to fill our shoes. Thank you to the production crew. Without you, we wouldn’t even have a show. Thank you all so much, this has been the most enriching experience of my entire life. I will miss you all so so much. Thank you!
