Many who have attended ChardonHigh School’s choir concerts and drama productions may have noticed a recurring standout performer. He’s has always been loud, he’s always been dramatic, and most of all, Austin Linn has always belonged on stage.
Four years ago, Austin joined chamber ensemble and Free Harmony, Chardon’s traveling dancing and singing group, but he was not done there. Austin first dipped his toes in the waters of Drama club when he played the role of a bully named Tommy in Maybe, Baby, It’s You the fall of his freshman year. His breakout role came in the spring of 2010, when he starred as Colin Craven in the musical, The Secret Garden. The rest is history, as Austin has performed in every production since and has also participated in One Acts. In fact, he even co-wrote a One Act for this year with senior Trevor Marthe, called Pixelated Portal. When asked about his favorite roles, Austin cannot pick just one: “George Antrobus from The Skin of our Teeth and Leading Player for Pippin,” he insists.
Senior Shea Smoske describes, “With his talent for acting, Austin makes every show worth watching.”
Mr. Lichtinger has worked with Austin on various shows. Mr. Lichtinger says about his pupil, “Austin has a wonderful ability to make people laugh, which requires an appreciation of life’s many absurdities.” He adds, “Austin stands out because he does not bend to fashions and petty high school politics; instead he pursues his own dreams and expresses his identity.”
In addition, Austin has served as historian of Drama club and was this year’s drama president. Austin also had the unique opportunity to be a co-host of this year’s Quiz Bowl with broadcasting veteran, Mr. Black. To round it all out, Austin was recently elected onto prom court and became prom king!
Austin has not only excelled musically, but also academically. Since sixth grade, he has taken many honors classes. This is impressive, seeing how involved he is with Drama, choir, and also Interact Club. Mrs. Monaco expresses, “Austin’s energy is what makes him extraordinary. It radiates out of him and pulls people into the activity or discussion. Whether it is a Freshmen Mentoring activity, a drama club meeting, introducing a character onstage, or during an AP English discussion, people listen to Austin.”
Austin will be attending Capital University this fall to major in education. “I chose Capital because it makes me happy, is close enough to family and friends, and it has great programs,” he explains.
Austin’s longtime friend, senior Lexi Fatheringham, articulates, “Austin always tries his hardest. I really feel that Austin has made a huge impact at Chardon, especially through choir and Drama. Underclassmen look up to him, and he is always there to listen or just have a laugh. I really do believe that Austin will make an amazing teacher one day.”
Other close friends of Austin admire him for how true he is to himself. “He never tries to be someone he is not,” senior Halle Kevern clarifies.
Senior Erika Ellman adds, “He shows kids that it is alright to be who you are and really shine.”
Former rival turned costar, junior Matt Gittins says, “I find it admirable that Austin will go out of his way to make sure that others will have a good day.”