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Since she entered the halls of Boone back in 2011, Amanda Grace Hughes has had her eyes on the prize. With the dream to graduate as valedictorian and attend a top university, Hughes dedicated hours to school, but refused to take time away from her passions of acting and singing.
“I want a degree in theatre studies and recorded music, with a minor in business so I can do what I love while protecting my interests,” Hughes said.
Born with the heart of a performer, Hughes took up theatre and has participated in every school production. In her senior year, Hughes was cast as a lead in both stage shows while also taking on the role of president of the Thespian Honor Society, a role that has been challenging yet one Hughes couldn’t be more proud of. Around town, Hughes has also participated in shows produced by Beth Marshall Presents including Beatnik, and Top Teens.
The stress of being an active actor and straight A student can be difficult but for Hughes that stress takes on a whole new meaning. Amanda Hughes is obsessive compulsive, a disorder that produces excessive thoughts that may lead to compulsions.
“A lot of people try to turn [OCD] into something good, but when your’e in the middle of it, you feel completely hopeless. It forces you to be strong. The one beautiful thing that has come out of it is, I know by the time someone wants to deal with the ugly broken pieces of me that there are people that will love me unconditionally,” Hughes said.
Although theatre has been an outlet for her to release stress, there is a special location Hughes has found solace in.
“Disney World is truly one of the most magical places on Earth for me. I become a huge child when I’m there,” Hughes said.
Nicknamed Princess by her friends because of her sunny disposition and child-like wonder, Hughes spends her free-time among some of the more famous princesses in order to release built up tension.
With weekends spent at Disney and weekdays spent in rehearsal Hughes has developed a grueling work ethic. While juggling AP classes, theatre, and senior angst, Hughes has still managed to begin work on what she hopes will be a promising music career. With an EP in the works Hughes has found that writing and producing her own material was a stress builder in itself, though it is one that she welcomes willingly.
In the long-run Amanda Grace Hughes plans to continue her academic success, transfer from Rollins College to Yale University, and begin her life as an independent and successful theatre actor, or singer-songwriter.
“Smile at the unknown; don’t be afraid of not knowing. Be a mess. Take care of yourself first, love with wild abandon, do the things that make your heart race, and never back down from a challenge,” Hughes said.