By: Karen Graham
Holly remembers quite clearly the person who set her life in a different direction. Her grade 5 teacher, Linda Parsons, noticed how uncomfortable Holly was speaking in a group. Mrs. Parsons assigned a different type of project, where students spoke in the character of someone from a book. Holly selected a young girl with psychic powers, and Linda was struck by her composure during the presentation. When asked why she was so calm, Holly explained that during this activity she felt that someone else was speaking, not her. Linda recommended that Holly pursue this activity through a program in Peterborough called “Acting Up”, directed by Phil Oakley and Robert Winslow. It was designed to help children build confidence and the ability to think on their feet. Holly pursued these classes for several years and eventually worked for four summers with Robert at the 4th Line Theatre. Holly was hooked. She spent her high school years at PCVS thanks in part to a reference letter from Robert. There her studies focused on drama, vocals and the visual arts.
