TCS Middle School Student Henry Cook Shines
Bright on the Big Stage and in the Classroom
By Samantha DePriest
While it seems like he has always been a Trinity Christian School Lion, Henry Cook officially joined the family in the third grade. Henry wasted no time jumping in to all TCS had to offer. He joined the Middle School track team, Middle School Drama, and was recently inducted into the Junior Thespian Society. You may recognize Henry Cook from numerous TCS theatre productions as he played Charlie in Charlie Brown in sixth grade, Nemo in Nemo Jr., and as Old Man Jenkins in SpongeBob in seventh grade.
Henry Cook as Charlie Bucket in “Willy Wonka” at Legacy Theatre.
Academics is very important to Henry and he takes his education very seriously. When Henry is not participating in academics, arts and athletics at TCS, he is heavily involved with at the Legacy Theatre in Tyrone. Taking more than five hours of theatre lessons each week at the Legacy Theatre has given him opportunities to be a part of numerous professional productions including “Elvis” and “Pelagius”. He even learned how to play guitar for his role in Elvis. He also was in Frozen Jr, Grease Jr, and Rock of Ages Jr. Most recently, he played the role of Charlie Bucket in the show “Willy Wonka”.
Henry, pictured left, cast as Nemo in TCS MS production of Nemo Jr.
Henry, pictured far right, with two of his cast members and classmates in TCS MS production of Nemo Jr.
TCS Theatre Director Mrs. Lizzie Perez shared, “This past Wednesday, December 11th, I had the privilege of going to the Legacy theater with our middle school chorus and drama students to not only experience theater but also support one of our classmates Henry Cook. It was so incredible to see him up there amongst professional actors doing what he loves to do. We learn on stage and we learn through practicing our craft and while TCS offers incredible classes through electives and after school drama opportunities, for Henry to be able to have that experience in the community is huge for him.
Henry Cook, pictured left, in “Elvis” at Legacy Theatre.
(Image from Steve Thrasher at the Legacy Theatre)
Henry, pictured center, in Elvis at the Legacy Theatre. (Image from Leslie Cook)
Whether it was Finding Nemo Jr. or SpongeBob at TCS, all of those have given him the experience that he needed to to be on stage at Legacy Theatre with those professionals. He is growing a lot through their firm as well. The way his education training is able to give him support and allowed him to do a school setting type show is a gift. Our TCS teachers work with him and have given him ways to excel in his classes and work remotely while the same time continue to have that community with his other students. Prioritizing his textbook education in the midst of his craft education requires much dedication on his part.
It is a testament when we are able to do the things that we love that the Lord has created us to do. And to share the gift that the Lord has given us makes us more well-rounded. Our mission at TCS is to prepare students for tomorrows world…sometimes that looks like supporting them at an outside organization and giving them resources when they are back at school to continue that education.
Henry as Charlie in Charlie Brown Jr pictured with his big sister Riley who is also in theatre.
It was a blessing that our students were able to see Henry in his element working so hard on stage and recognizing the work and time that goes into it. When he came out after the show, our students couldn’t wait to get pictures with him on stage and enjoy lunch at Chick-fil-A afterwards. That was so cool to see, It is a picture of the sweet community that exists within our student body and I think that is pretty incredible.”
At Trinity Christian School, our students are gifted with such a wide variety of God given talents and skills. Coming alongside each of them and their families is both a privilege and honor. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing growth and development in each of our students as they live out God’s plan for their lives. We are thrilled for Henry and look forward to seeing what God has next in store for him.
Henry Cook, pictured center, with some of his Honors English classmates after his performance in “Willy Wonka” on December 5, 2024..