by: Gabby Tompkins

Singer, Erykah Badu, once said, “When you’re performing you’re creating a moment.

LPHS freshman Molly Cooper has been creating moments since she was four. Cooper has been singing and dancing for ten years, and she never wants to lose her love for performing.

Cooper will be competing in the Hoosier Star event on September 9th at the La Porte Civic auditorium. Cooper decided she wanted to audition when she attended the show last year to cheer one of the adult finalists. 

“It looked like such an amazing opportunity to sing up there with the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, and I decided I wanted to give it a shot!” Cooper said.

To audition for Hoosier Star Cooper had to prepare a song and perform in front of three judges. She sang “On My Own” from Les Miserables. 

For her performance in Hoosier Star, Cooper will be singing “Orange Colored Sky” by Natalie Cole. She’s definitely a little nervous, but she’s also excited. 

“At this point, I’m just grateful that I made it this far!” Cooper said. 

Cooper discovered her love for performing during her first dance recital when she was four. She remembers tap dancing to “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner and really enjoying herself. Since then, she has been in 12 dance recitals. 

Cooper also had a love for singing from a young age. She has been in multiple choirs over the years, and she is currently in choir at LPHS. 

“My first time singing in front of an audience was when I was in first grade at my elementary school talent show. I sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner’!” Cooper said.

Cooper has also been involved in theatre throughout her performing career. She has been in 10 onstage productions. She also co-directed a show at the LaPorte Little Theatre Camp with Elise Eldridge. 

Cooper plans to participate in the theatre program at LPHS. She will audition for the fall play and the spring musical as well this year. 

Cooper most definitely wants to continue performing after high school. As of right now, she is planning on studying musical theatre in college. 

“My goal is to end up on a broadway stage one day. It’ll take a lot of work but I’m excited!” Cooper said. 

Erykah Badu once said, “When you’re performing you’re creating a moment.” Creating moments has been a big part of Cooper Cooper’s life and she hopes to never let go of that.