In the vibrant world of performing arts, one teen is truly making waves both on stage and in her community. Liz Inglis, a talented 11th grader from White Pines Collegiate, stands out not only for her impressive singing and dancing skills but also for her dedication to representing her fellow students at crucial board meetings.
"It's simply incredible," Liz expressed during an interview with SooToday. "There’s this phenomenon known as 'stage high.' I absolutely adore witnessing the audience’s laughter and smiles. The thrill I experience while performing is unmatched. Rehearsals are so enjoyable, and I relish the anticipation before taking the stage and the exhilaration while I'm up there."
At just 16 years old, Liz embarked on her journey into professional singing by enrolling at Case's Music in 2018. This passion further expanded when she started acting lessons at the Northern Arts Academy in 2022. "I participated in the Triple Threat program at Northern Arts Academy, which encompasses singing, acting, and dancing. It was an incredibly fun experience!"
Her impressive portfolio includes performances in notable productions such as White Pines’ own "Newsies" and "Raise Your Voice," as well as roles in the West End Theatre Project’s adaptations of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer." Additionally, she showcased her talent in the Musical Comedy Guild’s production of "West Side Story." Currently, Liz is gearing up for rehearsals for the West End Theatre Project's upcoming show, "Frozen: The Broadway Musical," set to be performed in April.
Among all her performances, Liz holds a special fondness for her role in the collaborative production of "Les Miserables" between White Pines and Superior Heights. "That experience was fantastic! I had such a blast participating in it," she shared enthusiastically. "Collaborating with students from Superior Heights was wonderful; the blend of our talents made the show exceptional. Everyone performed remarkably well."
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Liz is also actively engaged in leadership roles within her school community. She serves on the White Pines Student Senate and is one of three student trustees for the Algoma District School Board, attending board meetings alongside senior administrators and other trustees. "It feels rewarding to be a voice for those who may be a bit too shy to speak up. Being a student trustee allows me to gain insight beyond just my school, which is really exciting," she remarked.
Interestingly, becoming an advocate and leader wasn’t an inherent trait for Liz; it was a gradual transformation. "In elementary school, I was quite reserved and tended to follow others. However, high school gave me the opportunity to express myself. When I joined the Student Senate in Grade 10, I found immense joy in helping fellow students, and as a trustee, I can extend that help to students in other schools as well. I believe it's vital to have at least one voice advocating for others."
Liz draws inspiration from her teachers, who she views as beacons of hope for students facing challenges. "I see the impact teachers have; they genuinely bring hope into the lives of students who might be struggling. It’s heartwarming to observe how they strive to instill a sense of optimism about the future in their students."
One way Liz has positively influenced her peers at White Pines is through her participation in the Link Crew program. This initiative, which is implemented in many high schools, pairs senior students with incoming Grade 9 students, helping them adjust to the new environment. Given that starting high school can be a daunting experience, Link Crew members guide the newcomers through tours of the school, answer questions regarding their schedules, lockers, and other first-day concerns, while also organizing fun activities to foster a welcoming atmosphere.
"I absolutely love the Link Crew program. It’s such a valuable initiative," Liz stated. "Transitioning from elementary school to high school can feel overwhelming, especially for those who come in without friends. I experienced that firsthand. My Link Crew made me feel much more at ease and welcomed, which is what I want for the incoming Grade 9s. These four years are crucial—they serve as an introduction to life beyond school."
Academically, Liz excels as well, maintaining impressive grades and earning a spot on the honor roll. Her teacher, Kerri Braido, praised her, saying, "Liz is an incredibly driven individual. Her maturity, responsibility, and strong leadership qualities shine brightly in our school environment. She is always there to support her fellow students and is truly a star among us."
While many students today are encouraged to venture into fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Liz envisions a future intertwined with the arts. "I definitely see myself pursuing a career in the arts. My goal is to become a teacher, potentially focusing on drama or musical theatre. If you have a passion, it’s essential to incorporate it into your life—it makes everything so much more fulfilling."
