High school is the small pond full of “big fish”. As graduation grows nearer, the seniors are preparing themselves to take on the open ocean. Within the small time they spent in the small pond, they learned skills, skills that are necessary for their careers, skills that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

“Big Fish” was the last performance for the seniors in the Pell City High School’s drama department. The theatre is something that the kids have valued over the years. To these students, the theatre isn’t just the art credits required for their diploma. When asked what the theatre meant to them, senior Trey Lee responded with “home”. Theatre has built relationships among these students. They have become a family. Theatre has taught students to “step out of their comfort zone,” stated Julia Funderburg.

Tyler Locklar admitted that theatre has been an “experience.” It is something that these students can carry with them when they move on to bigger and better things. Experiences like this are the ones that they will look back on and cherish the most. Julia Funderburg described the theatre as “fun stress”.

Theatre is more than just fun. It has helped the students grow. When asked how it shaped their values, Trey Lee responded that it helped boost his confidence. Another key value that the students learned was important in all aspects of life. Alex Duck said that theatre taught acceptance among students.

“You learn not to see types of people. You just see people,” stated Maggie Reynolds.

These skills will follow the students wherever the current leads them. No matter what career paths they choose, these skills will help them succeed. “Big Fish” was more than just a show for these students. It was a story that reflected the skills and lessons that they have learned over the years as theatre students. The theatre was never just an extracurricular activity. It was a sport for the mind, and it reaped the greatest rewards for the students. Wherever these “big fish” go, they’ll be able to shed light on new ponds.