For several seniors, theater has been more than just an elective—it’s been a second home. After years spent performing, directing, designing and growing as artists, some students are preparing to bring their passion to the collegiate level.
Senior Mack Flowers has found both joy and confidence in the world of theater.
“[Theater] is genuinely the one thing I can say for certain has always brought me happiness and comfort,” says Senior Mack Flowers. “It’s something that no matter if I’m on the stage or behind it, I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
For many of these students, theater began as early as elementary school. Whether through musicals, plays, or tech work, the program has offered both theater students and teachers a space to express themselves and grow.
“It’s definitely something that’s a motivator to keep teaching and stay in education,” theater director Sariea Haney said. “I love the lifelong connection and honestly any of my students, no matter what they decide to go in, I just love seeing them be successful.”
Senior Chance Johnson has been part of Rock Hill Theatre since his freshman year. This fall, he’ll be studying musical theatre at Reinhardt University in Georgia.
“I wanted to get better at singing along with my acting, and the school I’m going to is really gonna help me advance in both of those,” Johnson said. “I’m probably still going to go into film acting or stage acting, but I want to be able to sing on the side, just to have that ability.”
Senior Tayler Milner, who joined RHT two years ago, has been involved in theater since she was five years old. She will attend the University of North Texas to pursue a BFA in acting.
“Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed using my imagination to create immersive stories and games to play with my friends and siblings alike, so naturally, as I got older I was drawn to activities that involved aspects of creation and imaginative design,” Milner said. “So of course when I found out that I could major in it in college, of course I took that opportunity.”
Senior Mack Flowers, who has performed for both RHT and North Texas Performing Arts, will be studying musical theater at Columbia College Chicago. For her, theater has been a transformative force.
“I was insecure and shy, but then doing theater definitely brought out confidence in me and turned me into an extrovert,” Flowers said. “It forced me to be the person that I am. I would love to be a director and inspire other people to go into the arts as well.”
Senior Lyric Patino, who will attend Pace University to pursue a BFA in acting, found meaning in the power of performance.
“I think that acting and storytelling is the best way for a person to understand a story and the lesson behind it, whether that be a movie or a play,” Patino said. “I’m enamored with the process, and I really, really love how beautiful a lot of the performances of really talented actors can be. This is my passion, and I’m hoping to make a career of it later in my life.”
![In the athletic building, senior Michaela Wilson carries a bucket of ice water for the football players to have a drink. “Tasks such as these may seem mundane, but a simple detail such as keeping the [coolers] full helps the athletes perform at their best,” Wilson said.](https://rockhillmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_8637-1-1200x863.jpg)
