(Newswire.net — September 30, 2013) Singapore, Singapore — Featured on the American daily television show, Oprah, when she was only 13, Singapore American School (SAS) senior Julia Abueva continues to amaze audiences in the Philippines as well as Singapore.
Everyone’s so supportive [here], that’s what separates Singapore American School [from other schools],” Julia said.
This talented young woman has quite a long resume, performing in musicals theater productions, on television as well as having independent recording contracts. Having starred in the musical Spring Awakening as Wendla last year and playing Diana’s daughter Natalie in Next to Normal next month in Singapore, Julia will appear in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in Manila, Philippines in October.
Surprisingly, when talking with Julia, she seems just like any other high school student. Julia has attended SAS since Kindergarten and is looking forward to graduating this spring. She says that one of the best things about being a student at SAS is “meeting kids from all over the world” and “being able to travel around the world” with her close school friends.
SAS offers a unique Interim Semester experience, designed to enhance the curriculum by providing high school students with diverse educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. The themes include global studies, service learning and eco-adventure.
During her freshman year, Julia travelled with classmates to Northern India; last year she went to Cheng Du, China on a service-learning trip to the Cheng Du Panda Conservation. She said that in addition to learning about the pandas and working with them, they had American and Chinese tour guides who were from the area, and that they experienced Chinese culture and explored Chengdu and Ya’an.
Julia said that, “It was fun to be in another country with some of my closest friends.” She also shared that in Singapore, the culture is a mix of Malay and Chinese, so thee students really appreciated learning more about Chinese culture. She said, “Meeting [their Panda Master, Mr. Wong,] was definitely unforgettable, it reminded me that doing something you’re passionate about is extremely important.” Here is a great video about their experience: China Panda Conservation 2013
If you haven’t guessed, Julia’s passion is performing. When sharing about her appreciation for Singapore American School, Julia said, “SAS has been very supportive since the beginning and allows me [to have a] flexible schedule so I can do everything I want to do.” During her senior year, she is working on a Capstone Project with her advisor, Mr. Bart Millar, creating a compilation of all the shows that she’s doing throughout her senior year. Asked about her plans for after graduation, she replied that she is applying to colleges and wants to continue her musical career in New York City, NY, United States.
“[SAS] always feels like home. You see old teachers and principals… always feel welcomed and like family. [I’m] so grateful that [I will] get to be [an] SAS alumni.”
Singapore American School (SAS) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering an American curriculum from preschool through grade 12. Established in 1956, the school primarily serves the American and international expatriate communities of Singapore. SAS is registered with the Singapore Council for Private Education, affiliated with the Office of Overseas Schools through the U.S. Department of State, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
For more information about Singapore American School visit www.sas.edu.sg.