Plympton Academy student selected for prestigious summer school

Classmates of a Performing Arts student at Plympton Academy have rallied to her support and helped her raise funds to attend a prestigious summer school.

Seventeen year old Jess Cooper has been selected to attend the Youth Music Theatre UK, a national theatre company for young people, for two weeks in the summer holidays. The project, ‘First Ladies’, covers all aspects of music theatre working with experienced artistic staff to develop skills in writing, composing and choreography as well as performance.

Fellow students and staff from the Plympton Academy Music Department offered to help Jess to reach her £1500 target. The department held a fundraising concert where not only did Jess sing and play guitar but the school bands and other talented students also performed. The evening was a great success and managed to raise more than £100.

“I still can't believe I've been given this amazing opportunity and can't wait to start,” said Jess, whose passion is singing.” I've been singing and dancing, and driving my parent’s nuts for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until my mum and dad finally gave in and allowed me to have singing and dance lessons that I realized how much I loved Musical Theatre.”

Everyone at school believes Jess has a blossoming career ahead of her. “Jess is a true superstar she is a dedicated student who puts a 100% into everything she does. We couldn't be more proud of her and I have no doubt she will ooze professionalism and talent at the summer school,” said Plympton Academy, Head of Music, Nicola Clapson.