Sault Ste. Marie Teen Liz Inglis Excels in Theatre and Leadership

Liz Inglis, a dedicated student at White Pines Collegiate in Sault Ste. Marie, is making waves both on stage and in her school community. The Grade 11 student has developed a strong passion for musical theatre, describing it as a transformative experience. “It’s amazing,” she shared in an interview with SooToday. “There’s a thing called ‘stage high.’ I love seeing people in the audience laugh and smile. I feel great when I’m performing.”

Inglis, 16, began her journey in the performing arts in 2018 when she took professional singing lessons at Case’s Music. Her acting skills blossomed in 2022 at the Northern Arts Academy, where she joined the Triple Threat program, which focuses on singing, acting, and dancing. “It was a lot of fun,” she remarked.

Her impressive resume includes performances in several notable productions. Inglis has appeared in White Pines’ shows such as Newsies and Raise Your Voice, as well as the West End Theatre Project’s adaptations of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Currently, she is rehearsing for the West End Theatre Project’s production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical, set to premiere in April 2024.

Building Confidence Through Leadership

In addition to her artistic talents, Inglis demonstrates significant leadership skills. She is an active member of the White Pines Student Senate and one of three student trustees representing the Algoma District School Board. In her roles, she attends board meetings with senior administrators and advocates for her peers. “It feels really good that I can be a voice on Student Senate for those who are a little bit too shy to speak up,” she stated.

Inglis’s journey towards leadership was not always straightforward. Reflecting on her early school years, she noted, “When I was in elementary school, I was very quiet and I was very much a follower. But in high school, I was able to be myself.” Her involvement in the Student Senate began in Grade 10, where she discovered her passion for helping students and contributing to her school community.

She credits her teachers for inspiring her to be a source of encouragement. “I see hope. I see teachers really bringing hope into students’ lives, especially for those who may be a little bit unfortunate,” she explained.

Supporting New Students and Academic Excellence

Inglis also plays a vital role in the Link Crew program, which helps incoming Grade 9 students acclimate to high school. This initiative pairs senior students with newcomers to provide support during their transition. “Going from elementary school to high school is such a big jump, especially if you’re coming here alone,” she said. “I really love Link Crew. It’s such a good program to have.”

Her commitment to supporting younger students reflects her belief that high school is a crucial time for personal development. “These four years of high school are really important. It’s the introduction to your life beyond school,” she added.

Academically, Inglis excels, consistently earning high marks and maintaining a spot on the honor roll. Kerri Braido, a White Pines teacher, praised her, stating, “Liz is a go-getter. She’s very mature, responsible, and a great leader for our school. She’s there to support the students and she’s a shining star in our school.”

Looking ahead, Inglis envisions a career that combines her love for the arts with education. “My plan is to be a teacher, so I may teach drama or musical theatre,” she mentioned. “If you have that passion, you should definitely find a way to put it into your life. It just makes life so much better.”

Inglis’s journey exemplifies the impact of youth engagement in both the arts and school governance, highlighting her as a role model for her peers and a bright future ahead.