Rebekah (Bekah) Dennis (‘26) plans to go to Victoria James Cosmetology School to pursue her cosmetology license. Being very expressive with her own hair and makeup, Bekah feels that “having the opportunity to make people feel like [she does]” would be extremely fulfilling.
While Bekah truly does have a passion for cosmetology, her real aspirations side with acting. She feels as if she lights up onstage—having been involved in multiple shows throughout high school—and if you’ve ever seen her perform, you’ve seen that passion, talent, and enthusiasm she holds with her every second she’s in the spotlight.
In order to achieve this goal, Bekah is going to set herself up in a well-planned manner.
“I want to have a stable career before I pursue acting, just because I don’t want to be broke in my car or something. So, after cosmetology school…after I have a stable job set up, I will start auditioning for shows and try to pursue that aspect of my life.”
It’s a hopeful realism that demonstrates Bekah’s ability to dream big and work towards said dreams while also being able to be realistic and set herself up for success.
In high school, Bekah has been involved in various commitments: theatre, choir, and journalism—all of which she was involved in for three years. Over the past four, two teachers have really stood out to Bekah: Ms. Hedlun and Ms. Berry.
She would like to thank Ms. Hedlun for being the reason she joined journalism, and for providing a consistently calming environment across every single year. She feels that Hedlun saw something she didn’t see in herself at the time and thinks that is very beautiful. To Ms. Berry, she thanks her for providing such a strong and supportive community, especially in a place that focuses so much on grades and performance.
“I think Ms. Berry has done a really good job of allowing us to be people…it’s nice to have a community in school to be able to rely on. She’s just there for people, and she’s also one of the people who believed in me.”
Bekah also would like to recognize her friends, particularly Isla Jackson (‘26) and Patric Wallis (‘26), remarking how she wouldn’t be where she is without them.
For those in high school, and for anyone in general, Bekah encourages people to “take all the advice you’ve ever heard,” as she feels that all of it is given for a purpose. It’s advice you’re never really given, but hearing it is quite profound.
“When I was a freshman, everyone was like, ‘Oh, these four years are going to fly by,’ and I thought that’s so stupid, but now that those four years have flown by, I realize they were right, actually.”
There’s a wisdom and maturity that can only be earned through experience, so Bekah thinks it’s wise to actually listen to those who have learned from their own past.
Bekah’s creativity, commitment, confidence, and hope will push her far. No matter the path she takes—though we know her cosmetology and acting careers will be undoubtedly successful—she will walk with her head high. And, as a personal friend of hers, I cannot wait to see you on the big screen.
