Meet Melena Appling! Melena is a recent graduate of West Hall High School and will attend Brenau University in the fall. We want to congratulate Melena and her family on graduation and best wishes in the future.

Question: What High School do you attend?
Answer: “I attend West Hall High School. I am a Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate and I take the most rigorous courses at my high school. I am the President of my Theatre troupe, and I am involved in many of the clubs at school.”

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: “I am the only child in my family. My mom and dad adopted me from China when I was 1 year old. My mom and I actually share the same birthday which is ironic. I get to celebrate my birthday twice! I celebrate my real birthday, and my gotcha day!”

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: “I plan to attend Brenau University in the Fall Semester of 2020. I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a double minor in Spanish and Communications. I will also be involved in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance Program. I have received many scholarships and grants to help further my education.”

Q: What are two of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “I love Taqueria El Antojito in Oakwood, they have the absolute best tacos! Also, I enjoy eating at Buffalo Wild Wings in Gainesville.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I want to travel to the Maldives Islands and Resorts. The water looks so pretty and blue! I love going to the beach, and I want to travel there someday.”

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “My favorite movies are ’13 Going On 30,’ ‘Grease,’ and ‘Dear John.’ My favorite TV is ‘MONK’ and ‘Friends.’”

Q: If you were asked to give advice to your senior class and the younger students at your school, what would you say?
A: “Work hard always. Strive to be the best person you can be. Stay kind, and true to yourself. Be humble but never be sorry. Don’t give up or miss any opportunities because High School doesn’t last forever.”

Q: If you were able to be cast as yourself into a television show or series, what show would you want to be in?
A: “I would cast myself in ‘High School Musical.’ I love to sing and dance.”

Q: If you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would you choose? Why? And where, locally, would you meet for this lunch?
A: “I would have lunch with Reneé Rapp. I would chose her because she is an inspiration to me. She is 19 years old and she’s on Broadway. I would definitely take her to Atlas Pizza.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about our community?
A: “”I love how close everyone is in this community. People are all so friendly and inviting.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “In five years, I would like to be graduated from college and working on my dream to own my own theatre company. In 10 years, I would like to be married with a child, while running my own performing arts program.”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Travel the world and go skydiving.”

Q: What is your go to band / singer when you cant decide what to listen to?
A: “My favorite song is ‘Jessie’s Girl’ by Rick Springfield. I love to listen to all types of music.”

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “July, Christmas, September 21st My Birthday.”

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “A Broadway production in New York City.”

Q: What is something you want to do as soon as this pandemic is finished?
A: “I want to hang out with my friends and go to the lake!”

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My parents, because they work so hard to provide for me, and they push me to my fullest potential to achieve my dreams.”