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Teen of the Week: PHS student Daphne Cockerham shines on stage

Daphne Cockerham takes a picture with two audience members at the end of one of the showings of “Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg High School sophomore Daphne Cockerham feels closer to her community by performing with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg.

“To me, community theater is a group of local community members that put on a show not for gratification, but for the love of theater and the arts themselves. It feels more close knit and supportive than what I think paid theatre is,” she said. “It brings the community together with everyday people.”

To help hone her craft, Daphne also takes ballet and pointe at Marietta Dance Academy and voice lessons with Ms. Meaghan Hahn.

“Dance is a tradition in my family,” she said. “My grandma learned and taught ballet and my mom did the same thing.”

Daphne has been practicing dance for 13 years.

Daphne Cockerham, right, and Allison Burner Lauderman, left, after “Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. (Photo Provided)

“Ballet and pointe take so much hard work and training, but it is worth it to see your art on the stage,” she said.

Daphne would like to continue her theatre performances after graduation, like in college or even community theatre as an adult.

Daphne has a 4.0 GPA and loves learning about History and English.

“Learning about History has always been very interesting for me and writing and English language arts come very fluently to me,” she said. “I get lost in my writing.”

She takes honors biology, algebra II, English and American history to push herself and learn as much as she can. She also participates in several extracurricular activities at PHS, including PHS’ Speech and Debate Team, Drama Club, Key Club and STARS Club.

Daphne Cockerham, right, and Mollie Smith, left, attend an audition for “The Sound of Music,” at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

After high school, Daphne would like attend college at Georgetown University, her dream school, but is also interested in going to Ohio State or the University of Maryland.

“Georgetown University is special because they have a phenomenal law program and I did an online summer class on how to think like a lawyer,” she said. “The program at Georgetown has really fueled my love for the law field.”

Daphne became interested in practicing law after reading a book on forensic science and law in the 5th Grade.

“I think law would be a good field for me because I get very passionate when I speak and argue,” she said.

She is interested in majoring in English because of her passion for writing. She also believes it will be useful for her future career as a lawyer.

Daphne Cockerham, left, stands with her mother, Cassie, after a dance recital at Marietta Dance Academy. (Photo Provided)

As a member of volunteer-based clubs, Daphne works on small service projects within the area. Last year in Key Club, she helped write letters to teachers and students, hosted spaghetti dinners and food drives and raised money for the UNICEF Truck-or-Treat. In STARS Club, she helped wrap presents and filled backpacks for those in need at the Latrobe Street Mission and made teacher appreciation bags. She has also volunteered with the Wood County Society at the telethon and was an advisor at Camp Echo, a camp of adults that have disabilities.

“It makes me feel fulfilled when I volunteer,” she said. “I volunteer to try and help out in my community. I want to try to make the world and my community a better place.”

In her spare time, Daphne enjoys spending time with her family, watching television, listening to music and performing. You can catch Daphne as a nun in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

The shows are at the Actors Guild of Parkesburg on Nov. 18, 19, 25, 26, 27 and Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing cast,” she said.

Daphne Cockerham participates in a costume fitting for “Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

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