As seen in the annual “Terrific Teens” issue of West Hartford Magazine, 2014.

By Lisa Lelas

Gabrielle Collins. Photo by Todd Fairchild, ShutterbugCT.com

While the list of bright and competent students from West Hartford seems endless, we have selected a small handful of dedicated young men and women, all recent graduates from each of the five West Hartford High Schools, to represent this year’s ‘terrific teens’ to watch in our community.

Not only are they teens with dreams, but they are already acting on them. Each of them has the desire to make a difference. To create a positive change in the world. They are, without a doubt, great role models to represent our community.

Congratulations. We look forward to watching you blossom as you now go out into the world to inspire us all. Today we put the spotlight on Gabrielle Collins:

If anyone is an example of  “dreams really can come true” it’s Gabrielle Collins, a graduate of Conard High School. She has been a performer most of her life, a competitive dancer, and is on the verge of living her dream of becoming a professional classical ballerina now that she has joined the Atlanta Ballet Company.

“I was always active,” explains Gabrielle. “I swam, did gymnastics, softball, and acting, but when my mom enrolled me in dance at 5 years old it just seemed to come very natural to me!” The young dancer decided by the age of 13 she wanted to be a professional ballerina. She performed with the Hartt School before moving to Atlanta.

Now that she is living and dancing in Atlanta, Gabrielle expects to be touring around the states and possibly overseas.

Looking ahead into the future, this 18-year-old already has her life planned. “I love science. I would like to do physical therapy someday after my dance career ends. I’d like to work with other athletes.”

Gabrielle knows exactly where her “can do” attitude comes from. “My parents are my biggest role models. They were always there to support me. My dad, who’s a well known Division 1 college baseball umpire, kept me true to my goals with self confidence. My mom taught me organization and scheduling as my ‘manager’ for all my national and international travels to competitions, shows, and auditions.”

But a busy performance schedule never kept Gabrielle from giving back to the community. She worked at area soup kitchens and volunteered at the Elmwood Community Center. She also did many performances for the Boys & Girls Club of America and many community outreach performances throughout the area.

When she does have time to relax with friends, she says she most enjoys hanging out at Blue Back Square or going to Café Sofia for crepes, although her favorite food is actually frozen yogurt!

Gabrielle is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and received maximum honors all four quarters of all four years of high school! She even received a Presidential Scholarship to Wake Forrest University but opted for a career in dance instead.

“Dance has shaped me,” she explains. “It has taught me a lot of discipline and courage and risk taking.”

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday to see another teen spotlight! To view our full teen story please view West Hartford Magazine here.