Tyler Yates and Makary Nartey have each spent years developing their interests in the arts at West Haven High School. A senior and Co-President of Theater Workshop, Tyler has been involved in theater since eighth grade, while junior Makary has dedicated six years to the band program, where he serves as trumpet section leader and drum major. Through their respective programs, both have taken on leadership roles while remaining active in other areas of the high school.
Tyler's involvement in theater dates back to eighth grade, when a drama elective introduced him to performing. He credits his director, Mrs. Nolan, for helping spark his interest in the arts. “I was placed in Mrs. Nolan's drama elective class and thought I was going to hate it, but it shockingly ended up with me auditioning for the musical that year, Frozen Jr. In which, I was cast as my very first role, Kristoff, which truly made me love performing, and so I continued throughout high school,” Tyler said.
Now serving as Co-President alongside Paige Kenny, Tyler has taken on a leadership role in the same program that first introduced him to theater. When reflecting on his favorite experience with Theater Workshop, he pointed to a tradition that developed among the cast during last year's production of Almost, Maine. “My favorite memory from theater workshop is without a doubt all the 'Kent' games during our fall play last year, Almost, Maine. As a cast, whenever we weren't on stage, we would all play this card game Kent together and it turned into a daily routine,” Tyler said. “Furthermore, it was an amazing bonding experience that unified our cast during stressful rehearsals and a lasting memory I will never forget.”
Makary has also spent years building his experience in the arts, having played trumpet and participated in band for six years. He currently serves as trumpet section leader and drum major. When asked about his favorite memory, he pointed to his first season participating in competitive marching band. “My favorite memory has been my first season doing competitive marching band. It was such a great experience, and I really enjoyed being part of it,” Makary said.
Both students have balanced their involvement in the arts with strong academic and athletic commitments, each maintaining a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Tyler has done so while taking some of the most rigorous courses available at West Haven High School, while Makary has also remained in the top 10 of his grade. Their involvement in athletics is another shared interest, as both are members of the West Haven Boys Tennis team and partners in doubles. Outside of band and tennis, Makary also participates in two other sports at the high school and takes pride in his involvement with community education and service.
Looking beyond high school, both students have plans to continue their education, although their intended fields of study take them in different directions. Tyler is currently working through the college application process and plans to study psychology, with the goal of becoming a therapist or social worker. Makary plans to attend college to major in civil engineering.
When reflecting on the people who have helped shape their lives, both students pointed to the support they have received from their families. For Tyler, his father has remained a constant source of support throughout high school, attending his theater performances and tennis games while teaching him important lessons along the way. “He taught me maturity, manners, how to treat others, how to face problems head on even when it gets hard. My father truly made me into the man I am today,” Tyler said.
Makary credited both of his parents for the role they have played in his development, particularly the values they have instilled in him. “My mom and Dad have been a pivotal part in molding me into the person I am today. They have instilled confidence, discipline, and leadership within me and have been my biggest supporters throughout my journey,” Makary said.
Although their interests in the arts have taken them in different directions, Tyler and Makary have each made the most of their time at West Haven High School. With Tyler preparing to graduate and Makary entering his senior year next year, both have plenty ahead of them as they work toward their goals beyond high school.