I've always been the "loud kid." The one whose laugh was "too distracting," or the girl who was "too opinionated." For some background, from ages 4 to 13, I attended Saint Joseph's private school in Bowling Green, KY, with class sizes under 30 and few opportunities; but when my sixth-grade English teacher introduced a speech and debate team, I knew I had found a home. Being blessed to attend a Christian school, I already had a foundation of faith, and I knew what a calling from God was, but I had never noticed or experienced it up until this point. I'm 11 years old, I'm struck with an overwhelming feeling of "Yes. This is for you, Morgan." From that day on, me and a team of only three other girls went on to practice and compete. Little did I know that speech and debate would lead me to not one but two statewide champion titles, team captain, and 7 full years of dedication. Upon my completion at Saint Joseph, I moved into public school knowing nothing about life except for performing and God. I was blessed to be coming into an already acclaimed speech and debate team at Bowling Green High School, with Janet Martin as head coach. She was a new face to me, but her support, mentorship, and representation of Christ showed me how God had shaped a person with the gift of speech and debate. She always made sure I was practicing and performing to my fullest potential. She would meet with the team and I before and after school every Tuesday and Thursday without fail. With her help, I went on to achieve third place in Prose Performance in 2022 and Sixth place in Poetry Performance in 2025, both on the state level. I worked for it, I studied performance for a summer in New York City, and made performing my whole life, because God had made it clear to me, my purpose is to perform, and I’m going to honor that calling forever. As a senior now, I see the finish line. It’s surreal having made it to this moment. For a while I thought high school would last forever…but here I am, sending out grad party invitations and placing an order for my cap and gown. God’s calling to me has stayed constant, and I have never once lost sight of it. Performing is what I’m meant to do. I am honoring God’s calling by attending Marymount Manhattan College this fall for a BFA in Musical Theatre. I share my faith best when I'm performing, when I'm living out the calling God has given me. I never would have known this would be my life if it wasn’t for speech and debate. I'm taking my faith, my ambition, and every skill speech and debate has taught me to be an example of Christ. I may be the silly “loud kid” but that kid is going places. That kid made a future out of her ambition. I owe it to what I've learned from speech and debate, but I owe it all to God. ​

I watched my mom write and study for a large portion of my childhood. Her grit and determination while managing my older sister and me at our young ages of 6 and 8 is something I was able to identify then. I could see the work and effort, and I would think, "Mommy is amazing." Back then, I didn't know what a doctorate was, but when people started calling my mom "Dr. Martin," I knew it was important. Before I was even old enough to understand, I was strongly impacted by education; I saw it firsthand. I saw my mother's excellence through her hard work, but also in the moments when she was busy trying a new recipe for dinner or singing me to sleep every night. It was those moments that stood out. I loved her singing voice the most. She gave me the voice I have now, the voice that has gotten me into a musical theatre BFA program at an incredibly prestigious school in New York City. My mom was the first stepping stone in my exposure to someone successful in education. I had no idea how much of an impact my education up until this point would have on my life. ​ I've always known that I've wanted to be a professional performer; I knew that before I ever even got into theatre. My eccentric personality, paired with the constant "shushing" in the classroom from grades K-8, should've been a given that I'd be a major theatre kid. I had teachers find the spark in me before I ever did, teachers who let me shine through my love of public speaking and all things artistic. I knew I had a knack for it, but it wasn't until my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Farmer, asked me to play The Grinch in our classroom Christmas production of the iconic Dr. Seuss "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" play that it ignited something in me... ​ Let me paint you a picture, the summer before the fourth grade, my mom and dad sat my sister and I down and told us they would be getting a divorce. Naturally, I was a wreck, and my behavior at school started to reflect that. I was loud, disruptive, constantly searching for attention and something to fill the incredibly empty void in my heart that I didn't understand. But Ms. Farmer understood, she saw me, and she was there. My drive for my education took a dip, but my educator was there for me. She guided me each day that school year, and when she offered me that silly part as the Grinch, she became more than just a pillar of my education, but yet another representation of hard work in my life, only this time it was done in a different way than when I watched my mom earn her doctorate, this was through the type of work that required me to start working too. ​ I've spent every day since the completion of my fourth-grade year working to further my education and knowledge in academics, of course, but mostly in Musical Theatre. With the voice my mom gave me and the drive for performance Ms. Farmer gave me, there was no clearer path, and my family jumped right on board with me. I started acting classes, which became a strong outlet for my heartbreak regarding my parents' divorce, leading me to perform in as many productions as I could find. But as the years went by, my passion became too much for my environment, so I decided to switch schools in my eighth-grade year to pursue a more arts-based curriculum. That year led me to some of the most cherished relationships I have today, all through the opportunities I was presented, such as The Little Mermaid Jr. I debuted as Ursula in the spring of 2022, and through lots of hard work and help from my teachers and friends, that performance led many people to approach and encourage me to make theatre my career. ​ Since then, I've made it my goal to become as knowledgeable in theatrics as possible, becoming obsessed and overly familiar with all elements of acting, dance, and song. It's a passion that involves hard work and drive, two things I've been exposed to since I was young. My setbacks have become my biggest motivation to succeed. Through my efforts, I've had the honor of being selected and partaking in Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts in the Drama discipline, a rigorous 3-week drama intensive at the University of Kentucky. As well as studying Musical Theatre for two weeks in the summer of 2023 at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. I've also had the pleasure of partaking in Kentucky's All State Choir program for three years during high school...I've used all of my theatrical education to start the very first drama club at my high school, which I proudly serve as president for. I also used my efforts to introduce the first Fall play initiative at my school, leading to an incredibly successful production of Romeo and Juliet, solely put on by the drama club under my direction. ​ My goal is to use my education to make a better future. I want to show all challenged, out of place, and hurt art kids that it's not over, that hard work can conquer, and that talent is always within us. My mom showed me, Ms. Farmer helped me, my education propelled me, and now I use my skills to pave the way for kids like me; to encourage and inspire. My education has directed me to overcome any challenge, and I know I can and will use it to its fullest potential.

My mom and I have been trying to discuss my answer to this question for the last half hour... "Morgan, why would you pick THAT?" Well, you see, Mom, my reasons for deeming "The Wedding Singer" as the movie with the greatest impact on my life was a fairly easy decision to make. When I got to thinking about it, The Wedding Singer was there for me in the moments I needed it most, and it was there for me when I didn't need it at all. Regardless, I always come back to it. For starters, I learned what TRUE comedic acting looked like. I'm going into Musical Theatre, and I've always had a knack for comedy. I can't help but think that The Wedding Singer taught me a good portion of the fundamentals I use in my comedic acting today. The genius of the iconic Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore duo is a masterclass in itself. Their chemistry, the way they act with their eyes rather than just their movements, they are...to put it simply...chef's kiss! Their incredible on-screen presence was enough to inspire me to act confidently and boldly, just as they do in the film. However, it almost sounds ridiculous to call The Wedding Singer an inspirational movie...but its comedic nature, themes of love, and epic Billy Idol cameo is enough to make me want to get up and dance around. I mean, who doesn't think "Julia Gulia" is hilarious? The Wedding Singer got me through my first real breakup. I'd turn it on and lose myself in the unbelievable world of Robbie Hart for a run time of 1 hour and thirty-seven minutes, and it's still my favorite cure to all hardships today. Bad day at work? The Wedding Singer? Failed yet ANOTHER Chemistry test? Oh, wow, look, The Wedding Singer! Had a genuinely good day and want to top it off with some extra sparkle? The Wedding Singer is the film for you! Needless to say, it doesn't get much better than just sitting down and enduring the genius of this cinematic masterpiece. When you think "impact" in this regard, you might assume maybe something meaningful like Forrest Gump, or a good quote like "Some people are worth melting for," like Olaf says in Frozen, but impact looks different for everyone. I am simply impacted by the comedy, acting, and comfort of The Wedding Singer, and my life is different because of it. I can't even imagine what it would be like to exist in a world where my mom and I didn't quote "SHOOT, I'm gettin' wata all ova myself" or "OHHEEEMAHHGAHHHHD." The Wedding Singer is more than a movie to me; It's a bonding experience. So, why? THAT'S why! The Wedding Singer has substantially impacted me, and if you ever get the pleasure of watching it, reflect on this essay, and maybe then my Mom will understand why The Wedding Singer has had such a big impact on my life!

I watched my mom write and study for a large portion of my childhood. Her grit and determination while managing my older sister and me at our young ages of 6 and 8 is something I was able to identify then. I could see the work and effort, and I would think, "Mommy is amazing." Back then, I didn't know what a doctorate was, but when people started calling my mom "Dr. Martin," I knew it was important. Before I was even old enough to understand, I was strongly impacted by education; I saw it firsthand. I saw my mother's excellence through her hard work, but also in the moments when she was busy trying a new recipe for dinner or singing me to sleep every night. It was those moments that stood out. I loved her singing voice the most. She gave me the voice I have now, the voice that has gotten me into a musical theatre BFA program at an incredibly prestigious school in New York City. My mom was the first stepping stone in my exposure to someone successful in education. I had no idea how much of an impact my education up until this point would have on my life. I've always known that I've wanted to be a professional performer; I knew that before I ever even got into theatre. My eccentric personality, paired with the constant "shushing" in the classroom from grades K-8, should've been a given that I'd be a major theatre kid. I had teachers find the spark in me before I ever did, teachers who let me shine through my love of public speaking and all things artistic. I knew I had a knack for it, but it wasn't until my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Farmer, asked me to play The Grinch in our classroom Christmas production of the iconic Dr. Seuss "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" play that it ignited something in me... Let me paint you a picture, the summer before the fourth grade, my mom and dad sat my sister and I down and told us they would be getting a divorce. Naturally, I was a wreck, and my behavior at school started to reflect that. I was loud, disruptive, constantly searching for attention and something to fill the incredibly empty void in my heart that I didn't understand. But Ms. Farmer understood, she saw me, and she was there. My drive for my education took a dip, but my educator was there for me. She guided me each day that school year, and when she offered me that silly part as the Grinch, she became more than just a pillar of my education, but yet another representation of hard work in my life, only this time it was done in a different way than when I watched my mom earn her doctorate, this was through the type of work that required me to start working too. I've spent every day since the completion of my fourth-grade year working to further my education and knowledge in academics, of course, but mostly in Musical Theatre. With the voice my mom gave me and the drive for performance Ms. Farmer gave me, there was no clearer path, and my family jumped right on board with me. I started acting classes, which became a strong outlet for my heartbreak regarding my parents' divorce, leading me to perform in as many productions as I could find. But as the years went by, my passion became too much for my environment, so I decided to switch schools in my eighth-grade year to pursue a more arts-based curriculum. That year led me to some of the most cherished relationships I have today, all through the opportunities I was presented, such as The Little Mermaid Jr. I debuted as Ursula in the spring of 2022, and through lots of hard work and help from my teachers and friends, that performance led many people to approach and encourage me to make theatre my career. Since then, I've made it my goal to become as knowledgeable in theatrics as possible, becoming obsessed and overly familiar with all elements of acting, dance, and song. It's a passion that involves hard work and drive, two things I've been exposed to since I was young. My setbacks have become my biggest motivation to succeed. Through my efforts, I've had the honor of being selected and partaking in Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts in the Drama discipline, a rigorous 3-week drama intensive at the University of Kentucky. As well as studying Musical Theatre for two weeks in the summer of 2023 at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. I've also had the pleasure of partaking in Kentucky's All State Choir program for three years during high school...I've used all of my theatrical education to start the very first drama club at my high school, which I proudly serve as president for. I also used my efforts to introduce the first Fall play initiative at my school, leading to an incredibly successful production of Romeo and Juliet, solely put on by the drama club under my direction. My goal is to use my education to make a better future. I want to show all challenged, out of place, and hurt art kids that it's not over, that hard work can conquer, and that talent is always within us. My mom showed me, Ms. Farmer helped me, my education propelled me, and now I use my skills to pave the way for kids like me; to encourage and inspire. My education has directed me to overcome any challenge, and I know I can and will use it to its fullest potential.

When my private Catholic elementary school allowed me to sing in the choir during mandatory Tuesday Mass, I let it all out... Imagine—riffs and runs during "One Bread, One Body" whilst the congregation looks around, confused, walking up to receive communion. That should've been the given that I'd end up devoting my life to musical theatre - and to sharing that joy with service to better my community with collaboration. After discovering my love for theatre during the COVID pandemic, I enrolled in acting classes as soon as the world opened back up. For four months during seventh-grade, I spent two hours rehearsing in a small acting studio converted from a garage. I practiced relentlessly for hours, encouraged my peers, and not only started realizing who I was as a performer, but as a person who thrived in collaboration. This is where my discipline, drive, passion, and my understanding of collaboration was born. When I'm not on stage, I’m surrounded by many forms of collaboration. I devote my time to ehe I'm in voice lessons, dance practice helping my teenaged, or using my knowledge to instruct and coach others interested in performance. Additionally, I've been a member of the BETA club since the 6th grade, and through the strong influence of a club based on service I was able to hone in on my values and how I could best benefit my community with creativity alongside some of my best friends. I have volunteered my time to direct the fall play at Bowling Green High School, started and currently serve as president for the Drama Club, organized productions with my peers, and worked hard to bring my community together through arts. It is vital to me that collaboration and theatre go hand in hand, working simultaneously to make this world a more colorful place through connection, expression, and empathy. Throughout my efforts, I've had the honor of being selected and partaking in Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts in the Drama discipline, studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, and partaking in Kentucky's All State Choir program. All of these unique experiences shaped me into the rigorously driven performer and leader within my community that I am today. I have deepened my passion for my craft while also gaining a sense of responsibility to use art to give back to my community. That same passionate kid in the church choir is still singing inside of me- just louder now. Theatre has given me a place to be emotional, loud, and unapologetically myself. my gift of outreach and collaboration inspire me to help others find their voices too in my field. I promise to myself and my community that I will continue to work and serve through the arts. Whether I am singing obnoxiously in a church choir or serving my community through the arts, I'm committed to making the world more colorful, one step at a time.

When my private Catholic Elementary school let me sing in the choir during mandatory Tuesday Mass I let it all out... Imagine—riffs and runs during "One Bread One Body" whilst the congregation looks around confused walking up to receive communion. That should've been the given that I'd end up devoting my life to musical theatre. In 2020, people often complained of quarantine boredom.You can imagine how I, a child with lots of balled-up-crazy-performative-kid of divorce energy, felt during my time away from school and the front mic in the church choir. While it was hard and weird to not see my friends, I channeled my energy into research and a full introduction to the sparkly world of theatre. I managed to sail my way through the COVID years by consuming theatrical media. I began to love musicals like Beetlejuice and Heathers. I would post videos of me singing show tunes on TikTok and watch "slime tutorials" (inside theatre term for "bootlegs") almost every single day to strengthen my knowledge. When wearing masks in public became the norm, I enrolled in acting classes as soon as possible. Every Tuesday for 4 months during my 7th grade year I would spend 2 hours rehearsing and soaking up all I could in a small acting studio converted from a garage. It didn't matter that there were more than just a few roaches crawling around the studio. This is where my drive and passion for performance was born... I've been unstoppable since. I've done a performance every semester since. When i'm not on stage, I'm in voice lessons, dance practice, or reading a play. I've also had the honor of being selected and partaking in Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts in the Drama discipline, studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, partaking in Kentucky's All State Choir program for two years, and starting the very first Bowling Green High School Drama Club, which I now serve as president and director for. All of these unique experiences shaped me into the rigorously driven performer that I am today, making me fall further in love with voice and expression. So, I've taken my passion and I've run with it wherever I could go. I’m 18 years old now, and that same passionate kid the church choir is pushing me forward. I’m ready for more. Theatre has given me a place to be loud and emotional- I've been able to turn it into art. I'm ready to face the adversity, promise, and change my future has to offer. It's time to embrace the unknown and continue to tackle my dream head on, that's why i'm drawn to music. I strive to study under the intelligence of a innovative program and continue to grow my voice, body, and heart through musical theatre. I've given my all to theatre, and I'm ready for the next 4 chapters of my life to launch me into a full time career in performance. The completion of my degree is just the begining. with my gained knowlege, I will go into a full professional career of performance, advocacy, and expression. Musical theatre is an expansion of the interpretation of music, and I hope to present my interpretation fluidly; by displaying where ive been all the way to where i'm going. I'm no longer screaming the lyrics to hymns in my elementry school church, but I am using that confidence I gained go propell my future. To find kids like me and encourage excellence through the arts. My devotion is a promise to music. Music is my life.