With the help of a voice coach, senior Sarah Koulogeorge had been preparing for her audition for weeks. However, she still found herself out of her element when trying out for the musical for the first time in her high school career.

Koulogeorge played softball her freshman through junior years, but decided to try something new her senior year and audition for the Glenbrook Musical, Phantom of the Opera.

“When you walk into that room, doing something completely new … you get scared, and I was nervous,” said Koulogeorge. “I started getting knobbly-knees, which doesn’t happen to me.”

Senior Ben Conrad also tried out for the musical for the first time.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the musical and I thought ‘This is my last opportunity’, so I tried out and no regrets,” Conrad said.

Although neither Koulogeorge nor Conrad made the musical, both are glad they tried out.

“I’m just happy that I gave it my best shot,” Koulogeorge said.

Because this was the first time she was involved with a school production, Koulogeorge saw a different side of Glenbrook North, and she welcomed the experience with open arms.

One thing that prompted Koulogeorge to hang up her glove this year was the fact that she is not participating collegiate softball, and after spending so much time playing softball, she felt her senior year would be the perfect time to try something she had “always wanted to do.” So, she quit the team to “make a change” and take a chance with the musical.

Conrad also took advantage of the fact that his senior year was his last year to get involved at GBN.

“Sports and other commitments have always gotten in the way,” said Conrad. “And now that I’m a senior, I thought that this is my last chance so I might as well do it.”

Koulogeorge and Conrad are not the only seniors trying new things. Senior Sarah Mulhall ran for student government the first time in 2011 for the 2011-2012 school year and was elected senior board treasurer.

“I thought I’d get involved with something new this year [and] take a chance,” Mulhall said.

Senior Jason Chen took a different kind of chance, not putting himself out for peers to vote for the first time, but really pushing himself athletically. While Mulhall ran for board, Chen decided to run on track because he plans to participate in triathlons this summer. Though he has only participated on the boys swim team throughout his high school career.

Although he describes himself as “not exactly a runner,” Chen said that the “great coaching staff” and the support of his fellow athletes have helped him through the challenging season.

Mulhall also attributes some of her success to the other board members.

“I really like the group of people that are also on board,” said Mulhall. “I think we work well together.”

Conrad encourages students looking to get involved with new activities to follow their passions or interests.

“If you have a dream, pursue it,” Conrad said.