Some students go to school in the morning and then leave as soon as the final bell rings. Some other students may stay after school an hour or two for sports during the two-month season. Other students, such as Keirstyn Mascareno, dedicate most of their school hours and free time participating in the many branches of the music department.

    Mascareno partakes in marching band, Forensics, theater, Voce and is president of the Thespian Club. However,one of her most impressive attributes, is her part in playing the bigger roles for the school theater productions.

    “I had the opportunity my sophomore year to do a professional one-act play,” Mascareno said. “Then last year playing Rizzo in Grease was also one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”

    Along with playing many leads in past school productions, Mascareno has done a lot with theater outside of school.

    “I did three shows at CYT (Christian Youth Theater), and then I did three shows at this place called Immeasurable Productions. This is actually my second time doing Cinderella,” Mascareno said.

    Not only has playing bigger roles in theater excelled Mascareno’s abilities, but participating in other similar areas has helped her achieve as well.

    “I love playing an instrument, but it’s also helped me so much in choir and theater. It just helps a lot that I do everything and so it’s all kind of interconnected,” Mascareno said.

    Not only has Mascareno discovered one of her many outstanding talents through the music department, but she’s also found friendships to last a lifetime.

    “One of my favorite things about theater and choir is I love being with my friends all of the time. All of my closest friends do it, and I’ve just made such good friends. I just love hanging with everyone, and I love Hagg and Fry so much,” Mascareno said.

    As of right now, Mascareno plans on minoring in theater in college. If that doesn’t “play” out, she still plans on doing shows.

    Mascareno has shown just how far dedication and perseverance can take you, for her talents will leave a mark not only on the music department, but on DHS as a whole.