Student Spotlight

We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments inside and outside of St. Barnabas Episcopal School.  We wanted to take the time to spotlight a few students who are making a “splash” within our Central Florida community.  If your student or student(s) are doing something noteworthy within the community, we want to know. Please email the school to let us know about your students' recent accomplishments. 

Kaitlin Brandt
(Photo Courtesy of Oxley Photography)
Kaitlin loves to perform in musical theater, because it is a combination of singing, dancing and acting. Last week Kaitlin just completed her 40th performance at the New Smyrna Beach High School's Showdoll Show; she is the youngest singer they feature during their five annual shows. 

Kaitlin was in nine different shows between The Miracle Worker, The Showdolls and singing at Seminole Town Center. Kaitlin played Young Cosette in Les Miserables at the Athens Theatre this past spring; since then, she earned the role of Amaryllis in The Music Man (Central Florida Community Arts) and had the opportunity to work with more talented adult actors and directors in the area. After that, she was cast as a blind child, Sarah, in The Miracle Worker (Athens Theater) where she and Payton Underwood acted in 15 shows, many of which were daytime productions attended by local schools. Next, Kaitlin has been cast in a movie trailer for Defending Lizzie, shooting in Lake Helen. Kaitlin is most excited about her upcoming role as Susan Waverly in Athens Theatre's White Christmas. The role is a big one, with many lines to memorize and a solo song. She is the only child that was cast in the play.

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Mia Coltelli

In August of 2014, Mia Coltelli donated 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States suffering from long-term hair loss from any diagnosis.  The hairpieces provided by Locks of Love, free of charge, help restore the children’s self-esteem and confidence.  Mia made the decision and promised herself two years ago, to grow her hair long enough to donate to Locks of Love and to help children in need.

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Nate Darch

Nate Darch was recently cast as the understudy for Dill in an Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s performance of To Kill a Mockingbird. According the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Nate's involvement with Orlando Shakespeare Theater is due to the wonderful Shakespeare program that was offered by St. Barnabas when he was in 6th grade.  Nate has also been in 11 other productions including  The Little Mermaid, Scrooge, and The Christmas Story.

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Emma Steel

Emma is currently working with a coach as a part of the US Figure Skating program.  Emma has competed in competitions across Florida and Georgia such as the Florida Open, Sunshine State Games, SouthWest Florida Fall Classic and the Atlanta Open.  She has competed in events such as jumps, spins, compulsory and free skate (which is the music program).  Competitions can range from 300 - 500 skaters.  Emma has received many medals, most recently placing second for her music program at a competition in September.  In addition to the competition side of figure skating, she also has to train for US Figure Skating's Moves in the Fields test.  She just passed her latest test this Sunday for Juvenile Moves.  Emma trains with her coach at RDV in Orlando and usually skates at least 4 times a week. 

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Payton Underwood
(Photo courtesy of Oxley Photography)
Payton loves being on the stage. She enjoys providing entertainment by making the audience laugh and cry. She has been involved in 5 other productions through the Athens Theatre and other theatre programs.  Payton was most recently in The Miracle Worker with friend Kaitlin Brandt. When Payton is not in rehearsal for an upcoming play she loves serving others, whether it's passing out meals at the Soup Kitchen or delivering Christmas presents with Parker's Pals.  Payton is always eager to help others.

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