Gabrielle Copeland, Paducah Tilghman Senior, has been selected as this week’s teen of the week. 

During her time at Tilghman, Copeland has taken part in productions through Market House Theatre and Paducah Tilghman, including “Willy Wonka Jr.,” “West Side Story” and “Into the Woods.” As a sophomore, she played Rosalia from “West Side Story,” which is Copeland’s favorite role so far.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved to sing and when I was little, all I would tell people was ‘I’m going to be superstar. I’m going to be a pop star. I’m going to do this. I’m going to do that.’ I feel like with musical theatre, it’s perfect. I can get on a stage and sing. I can act. I can move around and express my feelings,” she said.

Her passion for singing led her to different experiences, such as performing the national anthem live at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game in 2021.

“Like, on a stage, it’s where I feel at home honestly,” said Copeland.

“I love to perform and be in front of people but this was the first time I was in front of that many people and I was terrified,” she said.

Copeland plans to study musical theatre or film in the future, but she’s currently still weighing her options on which college to attend. In regard to film, Copeland expressed a particular interest in screenwriting or casting, citing the importance of representation in media.

“Representation is so important to me because, as an African-American girl, I sometimes feel that I’m not represented as well in the media or in film, as I should be,” she said. “So, I want to work in film, as in screenwriting or in casting to represent other people and people like myself who aren’t represented as much as (they) should be.”

Throughout the 2021-22 school year, The Paducah Sun will recognize 32 seniors as Teen of the Week and write about them for a scholarship program, sponsored by Paducah Bank. These stories highlight a student’s various accomplishments, goals and career aspirations as they prepare to graduate.

If you would like to become Teen of the Week be sure to contact our guidance counselors.