Names in the News: Garrett, Genson

Centralian to Spend Week on Broadway

VERMILLION, S.D. — A University of South Dakota theater major from Centralia has been accepted into this summer’s session of the Open Jar Institute, New York City’s most Broadway-integrated actor training program.

Braeden Garrett, a junior, will be one of only 60 students to spend a week in New York. He’ll take part in one-on-one workshops with some of the Broadway’s best teaching artists, vocal coaches, acting teachers and choreographers.

Garrett will also meet with casting directors and agents, and get to see some of Broadway’s best shows, interact with the casts and be part of backstage tours.  

“We in the Theatre Department are thrilled for Braeden and excited by this fantastic opportunity. We know that he will excel in New York and are proud that he will showcase the talent we have here at USD Theatre,” said Raimondo Genna, interim department chair.

Academy Northwest Soph Serves as Page

Sarah Genson, a sophomore at Academy Northwest, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Genson was one of 22 students who served as Senate pages for the sixth week of the 2016 legislative session.

 She was sponsored by 20th Legislative District Sen. John Braun, deputy Senate Republican leader from Centralia.

 “It was a pleasure to have Sarah here in the Capitol for this busy week of session,” said Braun. “Being a page is a great way to learn about the Legislature.”

 The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a mock session.

“I really liked delivering things and being able to see all the buildings at the Capitol,” said Genson about her favorite parts of participating in the page program.

Genson enjoys reading, art, playing volleyball, and dance.

 Genson, 16, is the daughter of Mike and Louise Genson of Toledo.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit: http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.