Sonja Gapinski is a seasoned performer.
As the youngest of eight children, Gapinski grew up singing and dancing with her musically-inclined family.
Still, the Notre Dame Academy junior had plenty of butterflies when she stepped into the solo spotlight during this year’s Academy Awards.
“It was really nerve-wracking,” Gapinski said. “This was a really different experience because everyone had their eyes just on you.”
Given her talent and skills, it’s easy to see why she is looked upon as a leader at school. For her efforts, Gapinski is the Triton of the Week for the week of April 6, 2020.
“She has a fantastic attitude and is a positive role model for other students,” Choir Teacher Christine Salerno said. “Sonja has been playing and singing in her family group for a very long time, probably since she was born. Not only is she a fantastic musician, she is a very natural musician, meaning that where music is concerned, it almost seems effortless for her. Yet she continues to get instruction and take instruction well in order to expand her musical knowledge and language.”
Gapinski is always searching for ways to expand her horizons through the various activities she’s involved with at school.
The National Honor Society student is a member of the cross country team, performs in the musical, is part of the back-stage crew for the play, and sings in the choir and with the Tritones.
As part of ASTRA, Gapinski also participated in the Service Trip in Canton, Miss., this year.
“It was really an eye-opening experience,” she said. “It was really nice to feel like you made an impact on someone’s life. We helped rebuild a wall and reinsulate a wall for a lady. We did a lot of yard work, like cleaning up this one facility that works with kids with autism.”
Although she had seven older siblings to look up to, Gapinski has carved her own path with her unique personality at NDA.
That was evident during her strong performance at the Academy Awards, where she was one of only two junior contestants.
“I was also really sick during Academy Awards, so I was really nervous the whole thing was going to fall apart,” she said. “But it went really well and everyone was really supportive of it.”
Gapinski is unsure at the moment about what career she wants to pursue in the future, but is exploring the possibility of speech pathology and nursing.
She said the science teachers at NDA have helped her grow her interest in the subject.
“I think the thing I like most about Notre Dame is how much the teachers care,” Gapinski said. “It’s really helpful knowing you can ask them questions whenever and they’ll be really accepting. It’s really nice to know that the teachers will always be there for you.”
