At Harrison, there are a multitude of paths you can take to follow your passions and dreams. Senior Natalie Brown highlights the diversity of artistic paths available to Wildcat students through the multiple extracurriculars she excelled in during her school career.
Natalie is a key member in Yearbook as co-editor and advertising manager this year. She plays an important role in shaping how her classmates remember their high school experience. Her eye for detail and commitment to accuracy have helped raise the bar for this year’s publication.
“Natalie goes above and beyond what is required of her in Yearbook – she even works on the Yearbook outside of class, and she’s constantly looking for ways to improve the book,” says Yearbook advisor Stacey Jones. “She’s got a creative eye and a dedication to her work that is unmatched.”
Natalie is just as much of a force in the music department, participating in a cappella all four years of high school. This year, the new a cappella group, Symphonix, competed at ICHSA, a competition for high school a cappella groups across the United States. At quarterfinals, the group won first place as well as Natalie earning an award for best choreography. She has been one of the featured competition soloists in a cappella for two of the last three years, singing “Late Night Talking” with the former all girls group Take Note, and “What You Want” with the new group Symphonix. The other students in a capella value her choreography skills and her dedicated hard work. Junior Kora Doolan also mentioned what an impact Natalie’s creativity has had on the group.
Natalie Brown has also been Hair and Makeup Chief for Drama since sophomore year, as well as being on cast. She has earned numerous Cappies nominations (a greater Cincinnati organization that honors excellence in high school drama). These nominations included crew nominations for best Hair and Makeup both last year and this year, as well as cast nominations last year in Legally Blonde for best Featured Actor in a Female Role as Serena, Best Ensemble as part of the Delta Nus, and Best Song for “Bend and Snap.”
Drama c0-director Stephanie Cox appreciates what Natalie has brought to the program. “Getting to work with Natalie in drama has truly been one of the highlights of my time here. Each year, I’ve gotten to know her more and more, and I’ve loved every minute of it. This past year meant even more with her aiding for me,” Cox says. “She always jumped in to help without hesitation, whether it was organizing something backstage or just bringing positive energy to the room. Natalie has a heart of gold and a spirit that makes everything better. I’m really going to miss her when she graduates, but I’m so proud of everything she’s accomplished.”
Despite the demands of her activities, Natalie maintains her strong academic record. When asked about her busy schedule, Natalie says she keeps track of everything in her calendar, so even through the lack of sleep and stress, she stays organized.
Natalie plans on going to college at Cincinnati State for Graphic Design. In the future, she plans on being a graphic designer and a nail tech. She found her passion for doing nails through practicing on herself, and now does nails for friends.
Natalie has learned a valuable lesson through her activities at Harrison: you have to work for what you want, and nothing will be handed to you. When asked about challenges she’s had to face, Natalie said, “I’ve had to overcome not getting positions or roles I want and learning I have to work harder to do better.”
Wherever Natalie ends up in the future, it’s clear she will bring the same commitment, creativity, and voice she has confidently shown throughout her years at Harrison.
