AHS senior Ashley Wongbi named Triple Threat student by the Hennepin Theatre Trust
(05/31/2023) Senior Ashley Wongbi from Anoka High School - Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (AHS) has been selected as a Triple Threat on Hennepin student by the Hennepin Theatre Trust.
Additionally, Imani Harris from Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (CRHS) was named a Triple Threat student. The pair have earned a spot following an extensive auditioning process where they submitted singing and dancing performances and an essay about how they have made the school better before being selected for a live audition. Learn more about CRHS senior Imani Harris.
Just 24 junior or senior high school students are selected as Triple Threat students each year and this is Wongbi’s second time with the honor.
“I’m really grateful to be selected again and to spend the start of my summer with people who love to do the same things that I do,” Wongbi said.
To be named a Triple Threat, students must demonstrate exceptional skills in singing, acting, dancing and leadership. Starting May 30, Triple Threat students participate in an intensive coaching, rehearsal and performance process in preparation for Spotlight Showcase, which is an event that celebrates the best of Minnesota high school theater. More than 1,600 students will participate in the awards and recognition event at the historic State Theatre on June 12 and June 13.
Wongbi found out she was selected as a Triple Threat student on the opening night of her final high school theatre play, the Wizard of Oz. The event also marked her 12th show (play, one-act, or musical) she performed in high school. Wongbi also sang in choir for six years after joining in middle school. She credits the difficult times as pivotal moments in her drive to succeed.
“The rejections push me to work harder and get better,” Wongbi said. “I’m someone that won’t sit and pout about something. If I’m not where I want to be, I will put in the work to get there.”
Singing is where Wongbi got her start in performing, as choir was something her sisters did and her parents had done growing up. In addition to the school choir, Wongbi has competed in numerous singing competitions. Just in the last year she won the Minnesota Sings competition in the age 13-20 division and placed first with her vocal group in the teen division of the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest.
She called out her choir teacher and past and present theatre directors at AHS as people who have guided her and increased her confidence.
“Ms. (Michelle) Hayes has helped me a lot with the vocal aspects and has helped me make so many connections,” Wongbi said. “Mr. (Zac) Mans (current director) and Jake Sullivan (past director) were a major part of my growth because they allowed me to try so many different things.”
As for the leadership aspect of the Triple Threat application, Wongbi had her choice of experiences to draw from. This year she served as the vice president of the school’s choir and the National Honor Society. During her high school career she was a member of the student council all four years and was an active participant in the Anoka Leadership Academy, school and district level committees, Student Voices, the STEAM program, and more.
Wongbi hasn’t made a final decision on what her future plans are, but no matter what path she ends up on, it’s certain she will put in the work to succeed.