Rising Stars

At Maui Prep, the stage is more than a place for performance. It is a space for personal growth, confidence building, and meaningful connection. This year’s productions of Elf JR. (Grades 2 to 6) and High School Musical JR. (Grades 6 to 12) welcomed many first-time performers, some of whom discovered unexpected ways the performing arts impacted their academics and athletics.

Abigail Ankney ’26, who played Martha Cox in High School Musical, JR  shared, “The musical also taught me how important teamwork and relationships really are. Working closely with a large group of high schoolers and middle schoolers almost every day helped me build strong friendships, which made the experience more natural and fun.”

By doing musical theater I learned that I love to accomplish a goal with a group of people and that I actually really enjoy music, dance, and acting.

-Anna Murray ‘31

I never knew that I could sing. I also always had stage fright before, and after performing in Elf JR, I was not scared to perform. in front of an audience anymore.

-Brynn Payne ‘31

I loved exploring dance routines, blocking, harmonies, and cues, gaining coordination and musicality..

-Layla Merrill ‘26

Performing Arts can help in many ways like improving my teamwork and communication skills, helping confidence and not folding under pressure.

-Trey Spillar ‘30

Performing arts supported my academics by building skills in public speaking and overall comfort in front of crowds.

-Jack Gleeson ‘27

I learned that contributing to a synchronized project required me to relinquish some of my worries. I built confidence by being a part of something larger than myself because I was encouraged to do difficult things despite my fears.  

-Anna Nguyen ‘26

Participating in performing arts allowed me to gain confidence and learn valuable communication skills that I have applied in volleyball. Balancing academics, the play, and athletics helped me create a stronger work ethic.        

-Ashley Davis ‘27

I've learned to trust my instincts, be more decisive, and fully commit to what I believe in whether that is in a match, test, or performance. The musical also taught me how important teamwork and relationships really are.  

-Abigail Ankney ‘26