“Katherine is so so talented, and such a wonderful friend. Her presence lights up a room instantly. I am very excited to see the great things she will do.” - August Garner
Katherine Meyer: a star in the making. Involved in nearly every music program MHS has to offer, Katherine is an MHS icon, the voice of our music industry. Katherine has been involved with theater and singing nearly her whole life, as both of her parents have worked in the industry, her mom in dance and her dad in business with Broadway. She had joined the chorus and the drama club at Campbell Elementary and now shines at Metuchen High School with the Footlighters, Pride of Metuchen, Blue Collars, and the House Band! When asked what draws her to theater and choir, Meyer describes how both are “very fun and collaborative experiences,” with entire cast involvement, live ensembles, and choral groups. All are “about the collective sound instead of one person,” and Meyer wisely recommends to “surround yourself with art you enjoy.”
"Kat is one of the very first students I met when I started at MHS last year, and I was immediately impressed with her poise and character. As a Footlighter, she brings depth, nuance, and heart to her roles on stage, and is a leader amongst her peers. We are so lucky to have her as part of our group. I learn from her every day!" - Ms. Jacobi
You may have seen Meyer starring in many of our school plays, one of her most memorable being Donna in “Mamma Mia.” Katherine had been in all of the middle school shows and knew she wanted to be part of Footlighters going into high school. She has been a part of the company ever since freshman year, where the COVID-19 pandemic led performers to edit videos together and create a virtual production. In her interview, Meyer revealed the Footlighters’ upcoming show: “Little Mermaid.” This is truly a full circle moment for Katherine Meyer, bringing Ms. Jacobi to tears, as it was the first show Meyer ever saw, but her last high school performance. Regarding her past shows, Katherine described the rush of “Mamma Mia” and how playing Donna was truly a blast and an incredible experience. Another favorite lead is the Narrator from “Puffs,” as this unique part allowed her to interact with the audience. Meyer describes how Ms. Jacobi is a fantastic director, always working to improve the program, make shows more engaging, and gain more profit. Ms. Harmon had been the Footlighters’ director during Katherine’s first two years, and when she retired, there was a question of who would take over. Ms. Jacobi truly stepped up to the challenge and changed the Footlighters program for the better.
“Katherine is a kind, caring person who I love spending time with and the band is so lucky to have been able to showcase her talent.” - Emily Lanton
Personally invited by Mr. Messenger, Katherine Meyer was the vocalist in the Marching Band’s latest show. She joined the band as a member of the front ensemble, and notes how this community was absolutely fantastic. Everyone was devoted to making the program the best it could be, and it was an incredible environment to grow in. Meyer explained how many of the seniors had been a part of the band for several years, Katherine was the only new senior, yet they were nothing but sweet and inviting. Katherine Meyer is also the lead vocalist in the Blue Collar jazz ensemble, a dream role of hers, and the lead vocalist in the House Band. Katherine played at the House Band’s Halloween show and is planning to play again this Christmas for the various lunches. She notes how the band currently consists of many underclassmen, which is a great ground level for years to come and a strong foundation to build upon.
“Kat is a stellar student and member of the GSA. They’ve been an active member for three years and this year, as tri-president, they bring joy, engagement, and thoughtfulness to the club. Kat's always got great ideas and (somehow) finds time to do all the things that she does!” - Mx. Leghorn
In addition to her outstanding musical endeavors, Katherine Meyer is the Senior Class President. She has been involved with the student council since middle school and loves the ability to organize school events. Meyer explains the gratifying reward of planning and setting up for a dance, then seeing the delight and excitement of the student body and feeling pride in her hard work. This year is Katherine’s first year as class president and notes how she appreciates the council’s group of dedicated members and the grade’s willingness to help out. Along with the student council, Katherine has been one of the presidents of the GSA since her sophomore year. Led by Mx. Leghorn, the organization works to host pride events around the school and arrange days of awareness. The club also works on a border level, holding an educational seminar for the staff and speaking at Pride on the Plaza. Katherine loves this organization and admires how Mx. Leghorn was able to grow the GSA and transform it into something completely new, making an impact on students statewide.
“Katherine Meyer is an extremely talented and dedicated person. She is one of the kindest and most supportive people I have met." - Caelum Ritzdorf
Throughout her interview, Katherine describes how despite being a smaller school, MHS is still able to hold many events, house a variety of clubs and organizations, and come together as a community. Given the school’s size, MHS’s activity is extremely impressive, as there is unlimited opportunity for students to explore what they’re interested in. When asked about her favorite or most impactful teachers, Meyer gives a shoutout to the entire music department as a whole. She explains how the directors were so forthcoming with opportunities, always reaching out with different performance offers. Katherine highlights Ms. Jacobi, for her dedication to the Footlighters and work to revamp and improve the program, and mentions Mr. Levy, who encouraged her interest in writing and music analysis.
“Katherine is genuinely one of the best people I know. She’s incredibly smart and bafflingly talented, as well as just a joy to be around. I’m truly so glad that I get to call myself her best friend. :)!!!! LOVE you Kat!!” - Jordan Cully
When asked about her role models, Katherine quickly mentions her dad, noting how she “loves him more than anything,” and that he’s “truly the best.” She explains how his coworkers constantly express to her their admiration for her dad, and Katherine strives to be that type of guy, a person who people speak fondly of when they’re not in the room. Her dad taught Meyer to always do the best that she can and be kind to others. Following her dreams, Katherine aspires to keep singing throughout college, specifically searching for colleges located in cities where jazz music is popular. She aims to pursue a career in theater performance or film production, eagerly awaiting to see where life takes her and what opportunities fall her way.
“Katherine Meyer is such an incredible person: she is well spoken, funny, smart, kind, extremely talented, and an overall wonderful friend.” - Emma Staal
Closing off her interview, Meyer wisely advises the underclassmen to get involved with the school and not be afraid to join new clubs or make new friends. High school will be your environment for the next four years, so you should establish yourself and make yourself comfortable: become friends with teachers, find a good group of people, “find your space in MHS and have that no matter what.” Katherine is an outstanding figure whose confidence and perseverance are admirable to all. Katherine, we wish you luck in all of your future endeavors and know you’ll succeed in whatever you pursue.
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