Senior Linnea Schaefer strives to excel in music, academics and drama
Senior Linnea Schaefer is fully involved in school activities, whether she is stitching together a new outfit for the past four drama productions, sight reading music during band practice, and maintaining her 4.31 GPA. Her talent is not limited to the stage curtain; instead, her flaming red hair trails behind her as she conquers the mountains and valleys in her search for the purpose of each part of the ecosystem that she lives in as part of the GEO class. Schaefer has stretched herself to her full potential with her GPA, fluency in Spanish, and a total of 10 Honors and AP classes. However, she is prepared to tackle the new challenge of becoming a future Berkeley Bear.
“I just felt like I belonged somewhere where I’m surrounded by people who are super motivated and driven to succeed and have a similar mindset like I do,” Schaefer said.
That mindset is the very thing that drives Schaefer to play three instruments across seven years, which gave her the esteemed position of first chair in the PRHS band. Her motivation woke her up
every morning to get to jazz band practice on time, followed by an extended day, finished by choir practice after school during seventh period. Her hard work is only part of the equation when it comes to hitting all the right notes.
“[Music] can express emotion the can’t express any other way. It’s able to channel things that people can’t say or express,” said Schaefer, whose favorite instrument to play is the piano, which she has played for eight years.
Schaefer’s love of music will follow her the 202.3 miles to the University of California, Berkeley, as she tries out for the student-run, 125 year old marching band and acapella group.
Underneath that mop of fiery hair, Schaefer’s brain is always spinning and conjuring up new ways to make herself exceptional.
“I want to be successful and do everything best of my ability,” Schaefer said.
Her desire to be the best she can be manifests itself in her passion for becoming an actor and costuming actors. Schaefer has sewed costumes for Alice in Wonderland, Drowsy Chaperone, The Orphan Train, and The Little Mermaid. On April 14, the stage lights shined down on Schaefer herself as she played Ariel’s sister, Adella.
In the theater, her passion is driven by the people and environment that surrounds her.
“I love being able to use my creativity to contribute to the shows and the wonderful costumes and get to work with the talented Ms. Ruth,” said Schaefer, who has sewn costumes with costume designer Ruth Enriquez-Bague.
Her heart seems to shape everything she does and gives her drive, according to her brother, freshman James Schaefer.
“I wish I had her charisma. She makes friends so easily and has a kind heart. People just tend to gravitate towards her,” James Schaefer said.
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