The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior saw a performance at a young age, and the show led her to becoming part of one as well.

“When I was 12, I watched a production of ‘The Little Mermaid,'” Caldeira said. “The way Ariel sang and looked under the lights made it clear to me that I wanted to be in her place, so I auditioned for a musical for the first time ever a few weeks later.

“I love the feeling of performing and knowing that I might be inspiring someone the way that I was inspired.”

In her four years at Fort Dodge Senior High, Caldeira has been involved in band, choir and theater. Outside of the Dodger halls, she does community theater.

Caldeira is part of the marching and concert bands.

“I play the tenor saxophone in the marching band and the French horn in the concert band,” Caldeira said. “I love to perform in concert bands, and on the field it gives me a sense of ease as I mix myself into the melody.

“Singing (in choir) with others gives me a wonderful feeling of community.”

As the days of her senior year wind down, Caldeira remembers all of her times on the stage.

“Being a senior is tough, but I think the hardest thing to leave behind is the feeling and rush of looking at the cast list,” Caldeira said. “Although I will continue to perform, it just isn’t the same.”

Early into her final year, speech is now the center of attention.

“So far the best thing this year has been speech,” Caldeira said. “I have a lot of hope for making All-State this year with my short film and musical theater groups.”

Being involved in so many aspects broadens the horizons for Caldeira.

“It’s important for me to be involved with many activities because there are aspects of each of the groups that I can showcase my abilities and passions in,” Caldeira said. “My favorite moment was when I got to see my name for the lead role as Grace Fryer (“Radium Girls“) and knowing that someone would believe in me enough to take a chance on me like that.”

Caldeira said Ashley. Fredrick (French horn teacher), Lindey “Mama” Krug (speech teacher) and Al Paulson (band director) have been big creative influences on her life.

Caldeira plans on continuing to act after high school.