Taking center stage with Lauren Patterson
Sound of Music: Patterson has found passion behind microphone
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Being on stage and in an arena have become a common occurrence for Lauren Patterson.
Patterson has enjoyed her time on the musical stage, behind a microphone as well as showing her horses in the arena.
Recently Patterson, a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High School. earned All-State choir honors for the second time in her career.
"Being selected for the All-State chorus once is already a huge honor, so getting selected for a second time is something I've really hoped to accomplish," Patterson said. "It means a lot to be able to represent our great choral department at FDSH."
It takes a lot of work to prepare for the elite group, but for Patterson, it was well worth it.
"The All-State process is no joke," Patterson said. "It takes a lot of late nights working on the music. The process comes with frustrations, but so does any process that challenges you.
"I truly believe that the process is all about the friendships created -- they make the process worth it in the end."
Patterson began singing at a young age.
"I've always loved singing, but joined choir in middle school," Patterson said. "Most of my friends were in choir, so as any middle schooler would I joined as well.
"After that I was involved in musicals and speech and pretty much anything music related."
On stage Patterson has been involved in the musical department as well and has also honed her skills through the speech department.
"Speech is a good warm up for the musical season," Patterson said. "One category I participate in is large group musical theater, so that's one good way to help get ready for musical auditions. Speech is a great way to get involved and stay performing throughout the year. It's a lot of fun too so that helps."
The process from the start of the musical to the final product is something that Patterson loves to see come to fruition.
"Musicals are always so fun," Patterson said. "I really love watching the show come together and spending long rehearsals building friendships.
"I love to sing, so naturally I auditioned for musicals as soon as I could, and it all grew from there."
As she walks the halls at FDSH for the final time, Patterson has no regrets for what's in store.
"High school flies by, especially senior year. Being involved gives me extra time to do what I love with the people I love. Being involved throughout high school is a decision I'll never regret," Patterson said. "There are too many lasts to count of course, but I'm going to miss it all. But I think of all the things I'll miss is my last time singing the FDSH school hymn and my last improv rehearsal will be the most bittersweet.
"I am looking forward to speech season. Some of my fondest memories throughout high school happen during speech. Especially group improv and of course I'm looking forward to the All-State musical festival."
Patterson has also become well known, showing horses.
Being on Dodger Senate is also a job that Patterson was part of.
"I love Dodger Senate, while I was only involved for two years, it has been so much fun," Patterson said. "Helping plan and decorate for some of the most anticipated school events. "Senate has also helped me build connections with underclassmen I otherwise wouldn't know. I think the senate is a great way to include people and build school spirit.
"Being a Dodger to me means always being there for your classmates. It takes one kind word to change someone's day. Being a Dodger is more than a diploma, it's about the memories and friends made along the way."
As she has grown each year through high school there have been some constants and mentors that have helped Patterson along her path.
"My two biggest influences through high school would have to be Lauren Winter and Jenna Hendrix. Mrs. Winter was never just a teacher. I think she's seen me at some of my worst and my best, she never fails to check up and she always has her door open when I needed it, even if it was during her prep," Patterson said. "I first met Jenna my sophomore year during large group speech. She was our new improv coach and looking back if she realized what she was signing up for she might have ran away.
"Jenna is one of those people who is always down for a deep talk and is someone I know genuinely cares, whether it's celebrating getting All State or watching me freak out over spontaneous speaking she still shows up for all of her speech kids, mini Jenna is a title I'm very happy to hold."
Upon graduation Patterson plans on attending the University of Iowa or Iowa State University for psychology and hopes to become a behavioral therapist.
Vacation destination: Europe
People I would like to have dinner with: Harry Styles
Performer that inspires me: Manu Rodriguez
I can't go a day without: Going to Mrs winters room
Where do I see myself in 10 years?: living my life to its fullest potential
What are you listening to right now?: Harry Styles and 2000s music
Dream piece or show: Sweeney Todd
A show you binge watch: Dancing With the Stars
Favorites…
Musical: Chess or the Lost Boys
Performance: Jaxton Jones as Mal in the Addams family
Music genre: Pop
Song: Fine Line – Harry Styles
Instrument: piano
Class: Leadership Lit
Movie: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Book: Where The Red Fern Grows
Phone App.: Instagram