A Wizard's Path: Cooper Smith

Washingtonville High School senior Cooper Smith is a triple treat. He’s an academic all-star taking college courses while maintaining an impressive GPA, a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) show stopper, scoring a 100 during the most recent showcase, and a competitive dancer with impressive lyrical skills. Cooper has made a melodic mark during his time at WHS.

Cooper has been a part of the school’s select choir since sophomore year, auditioning after spending his freshman year in concert choir.

He also has had the opportunity to compete in All-States the past three years, an annual conference run by NYSSMA; the event comprises talented students from across the state who come together and perform. 

Cooper has worked hard perfecting his song for the most recent All-State festival, earning the prestigious honor of scoring a 100.

“I can't believe I made it, because it's like all the work finally paid off,” Cooper said when asked about how it feels to earn a perfect score. “It was just crazy because that’s so unheard of, to get a 100, and that means you almost performed perfectly.” 

Cooper would often practice with Washingtonville High School Chorus Director Jeremy Groth, who has been a role model and inspiration for him. Although Cooper doesn’t necessarily want to pursue the arts in college, he still wants to keep it a part of his life during his collegiate years.

“I don't think I'm going to major in anything related to the arts, but I definitely want to participate if there's a performing arts center,” he said. “I'd love to join something. I want to keep it involved in my life.”

Cooper has had extensive theatrical opportunities with the school including being section leader for the select chorus, a role he takes with immense pride. Additionally, Cooper has auditioned for the school musical the past two years, landing the roles of Sky in “Mama Mia” and Tyler Galpin in “The Adam’s Family”. 

On top of being a bass singer, Cooper has been a competitive dancer for several years. His favorite style to perform is lyrical, but he also competes in contemporary and hip-hop numbers. 

Competing in dance outside of school has provided Cooper with the opportunity to make friends with students from neighboring districts, something he appreciates deeply. 

When it comes to academics, Cooper is currently taking several college courses to prepare him for college next fall, including macroeconomics and AP calculus. 

“Academically, I feel like I've tried to step up my game this year,” Cooper said. “I've been able to see the importance of college to me personally. All my teachers have been great at preparing me for it, and I've just been working hard both outside and inside school.”

Although Cooper is still undecided of what he wants to study, he does have his eye on several schools including the University of Maryland and the University of Connecticut. 

During his high school years, Cooper has received a handful of humanities awards, such as the Orange-Ulster BOCES Humanities Award, for his impact to his community and dedication to the performing arts and humanities.