This Week's Student Spotlight: James Mackey

School: Senior at Albertus Magnus High School

Age: 17

James Mackey is a born thespian, a very talented singer, and an outstanding student. Throughout his high school years, he has been very active in the music and drama clubs at Albertus. Combining both talents in the spring musicals, he is truly a shining star.

His freshman year he started his hand at acting in the Improv Club. Sophomore year he was in the ensemble for the fall show and the featured singer in the spring musical. Some of the shows and roles he has been cast in have been John, the butler, in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Harvey Johnson in Bye Bye Birdie, and Wilbur in Hairspray.

Mackey has enjoyed  chorus all four years of high school. He's also been in Veritas, the honor choir, for the past three years.

"I have had a lot of special experiences with Veritas. Not only do we sing at mass and competitions, but we're also invited to sing at various events in the County. The most meaningful experience to me would be the two times that we have sung at the Nationalization Ceremonies in the County. To know that you're providing people with the first music they'll hear as new citizens of the United States is truly amazing," said Mackey. "We've gone to competition both years that I've been in Veritas, and we're going again in the Spring. We've been a part of "Music in the Parks," a singing competition at Hershey Park, and have won both years in our category. This year we're also singing for New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as a chorus."

During his junior year he decided to sing at the NYSSMA at the All-State level, and was chosen for the Area All-State Chorus.

"For my NYSSMA audition, I sang "Amarilli, Mia Bella", an Italian love song. My audition took place at Fieldstone in the spring of my junior year, and the concert took place at Suffern High School in the fall of my senior year. The weekend of the concert, we had 12 hours of rehearsal in two days, and sang five songs in a concert. This year, I'm only singing for the festival, and will not be eligible for the concert because I'll be away at college, but I am still singing to be graded."

As to where he will go to school in the fall, Mackey is still undecided. His top three choices offer exemplary academic programs but some adversity in the weather. His current top three picks are SUNY Binghamton, Boston University, and University of Miami. A decision should be forthcoming as his academic achievements outshines all else.

In addition to his talents on the stage, Mackey is also a star in the classroom. He's been in accelerated math and science classes since his freshman year, and both Honors English and History classes since junior year. Last year he took AP Biology. This year he has a full course load including AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP European History, and College English.

Mackey's dedication to his school work has served him well. He was inducted into the National Honors Society, and the Honors Society for Math, Science, English, History, Music, and Foreign Language.

Over the course of his four years at Albertus he has been active in clubs and programs such as Mock Trial, Pro-Life, and the International Club. He is a Senior Ambassador and in the Campus Ministry where he participated in the Midnight Run. He also ran winter track and was in the school's acapella group, Phenomenon.

However, music and drama is where he thrives.

Best of luck to Mackey and his fellow performers as they prepare for the spring musical, Hairspray, debuting next month.