Senior Gloree Wood is an exemplary young woman of Paducah Tilghman. She is very active both in and outside of school, and she exhibits the qualities of a natural-born leader.  

Out of all of Wood’s interests, music is her true passion. Her mother enrolled her in piano lessons when she was in the third grade. Shortly after, she was enrolled in voice lessons and studied under Dr. Bradley Almquist, who is the choral director of the Murray State University and the Paducah Symphony choirs. She started to take voice lessons seriously, and she knew that she wanted to make a career out of music. 

Wood is heavily involved in the arts department at Tilghman. She is a member of the concert choir, Concordia, Another Shade of Blue and participates in the annual musical. In 2019, she played Maria, the female lead, of “West Side Story.” She’s achieved being in all-state choir throughout her high school career (in 2020 it was COVID-prohibited), which is a high honor. 

There are two specific women that have had a big influence on Wood – Lea Salonga and Eva Noblezada. She noted that her mom introduced her to Lea Salonga when she was very young. Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress, and she was the first Asian to win a Tony Award. Wood said that Salonga has been her number one idol, and she is inspired by her because “she was a trailblazer for all Asians in the field of musical theater.” 

Wood wouldn’t be complete without her Filipina culture. She loves learning about the pre-colonial era of the Philippines. She thought that it was particularly interesting and special that the country was matriarchal. Women were the people in power, and many of them were priests. Wood also stated that the LGBTQ+ community was well supported, and they were allowed to be preachers. Diversity is very important to Wood, and she was excited to witness and be a part of the diversity of PT.  

While Wood is undecided on her college plans, her dream school is Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She plans to major in vocal performance or musical theater. If she decides to stay in state, the University of Kentucky is her top choice.  

As a senior, Wood is excited for the future, but she will miss her Paducah Tilghman family. When asked what advice she had for the underclassmen, she said “to follow your passions.”