Full Name: Katelyn Maxwell

Phone: 931-644-2520

Email: kateannmarie15@gmail.com

Age: 16

What school do you attend?

Cookeville High School

Tell us about yourself.

I am a junior in high school, my favorite thing to do is perform, and I love learning new things. I have a little sister named Brookelyn and a golden retriever named Jack, who inspires me everyday to be my best. My favorite color is yellow and I am a firm believer that anyone can achieve anything they want to, if they put hard work in.

What is your greatest strength, and why?

My greatest strength is my ability to get along with people and being apart of a team. I believe team work is how to make the problem seem less overwhelming and gets everyone involved, so it’s not just one person sharing their talents, it’s everyone.

What is your greatest weakness, and why?

My greatest weakness is probably my tendency to think I’m not as talented as the other girls my age, especially during auditions, because i can’t hit that specific note, or do that specific dance routine immediately.

What skills do you need to learn to turn your greatest weakness into your greatest strength?

I need to learn that everyone’s path is different and I need to gain more confidence in my acting and overall performance, so i don’t doubt myself as much during auditions.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome, and what did you learn from that?

The biggest challenge i have had to overcome was my sister getting diagnosed with leukemia. She was eventually considered cancer free and I learned that you shouldn’t look on the negative side of things because not every situation is as bad as it may seem. The bad days will pass and the the good days are coming.

Why do you deserve this award?

I believe I deserve this award because I would love an opportunity to better my abilities. As Stella Adler says, “Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.” Performing makes me feel the most alive, and reminds me why I fell in love with performing in the first place.

Who has been a role model for you, and why?

My biggest role model has been my choir director, Mr. Choate, because he has inspired me from a young age that I can do anything, no matter the situation. He has been the biggest influence on me theatrically, and I have become a better person from his teachings.

What is the biggest mistake you made, and what have you learned from that mistake?

The biggest mistake I ever made was underestimating my voice and not speaking out when I could make a change. I learned that anyone, no matter how insignificant your voice feels, makes a difference.

What activities are you involved in?

I am apart of the CHS Chamber Choir, the CHS Speech team, and our community theatre program, CCT.

How are you giving back to others?

Every year my family decides to donate spare food and clothes whenever we can, and every Christmas, we donate a bunch of toys to the hospitals and charities that helped my sister.

Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud, and what you learned from that achievement?

My greatest personal achievement was being presented an “All Star Cast” award when I competed as the leading lady in a one act competition last year at my forensics districts competition. I learned anything is possible with hard work. I practiced my blocking and lines for that one act for months until I could do it in my sleep. I was so proud of myself, and made me feel like I could do this.

How do you define being a humble person?

A humble person is someone who practices servant leadership. The definition of that is a person “who leads by serving others.” Instead of bragging and boasting about their achievements, they help other people reach their goals as well, as much as they can.

How do you define servant leadership?

Servant leadership is to “lead by serving others” and any good leader practices this. They listen to their team and uses everyone’s talents to make the project really soar.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I am very passionate about performing, and so very thankful to be given the opportunity to apply for something like tis