Andrew Wilson, 19

El Dorado Hills

Andrew Wilson has been playing lead roles in the theater since he was 9 years old, but first fell in love with performing at the age of four when he saw The Nutcracker. 

He says, “Seeing all of the performers and hearing all the music completely captivated me—I was hooked and couldn’t stop dancing.” Of the countless shows he has performed in, Singin’ in the Rain is his favorite. 

“It is one of the most iconic Hollywood musicals. Plus, I’ve always wanted to play the role Gene Kelley created. There’s great singing, great dancing, and you get to splash in a lot of puddles.” Kelley is one of the many actors Wilson has been inspired by over the years. Among his other favorites are Fred Astaire, Kenneth Branagh, Hugh Jackman, Meryl Streep and Kate Blanchette. 

The 19-year-old finds his motivation from knowing he is making a difference. 

“When I know I have touched an audience, that keeps me going despite all adversity.” After committing 11 years to the performing arts, Wilson has plans to pursue his passion as a full-time professional performer. His advice to the under-20 community is: “If you have a dream, follow it. Most dreams fail because someone gave up, not because it was impossible.” —Rachel Meeker

FAVORITES

Escape: Hiking in the Sierras with friends

Guilty pleasure: Anything sweet—I love my mom’s almond macaroons

Meal in town: Hawks Restaurant in Granite Bay

Local landmark: The “rocks” on El Dorado Hills Boulevard—they’re a running history of our community

Movie: The Fall

Musician/band: Bill Evans (past); Nils Frahm (present)

Saying: “The greatest joy there is in life is creating. Splurge on it!”

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This month, in Style’s annual compilation of high-achieving high school seniors, we give you each school’s selections for local teens setting the pace—whether in academics, athletics, philanthropy, or all of the above. Read on and get inspired by the words and achievements of these 2015 super grads.