Taking center stage with Abigail Casciato | News, Sports, Employment

The only thing that has helped and guided him along the way is his passion for God.

“My work through the church is very satisfying,” said Casciato. “It is what I am called to do at this stage of life.

“Everything I do with the church is a different way God has called me to help. When you do what God wants you to do, it’s the most fulfilling thing you could be doing. Also, God has given me many of the passions I have to allow me to return to the church.”

Casciato uses his talent with music to be able to share as part of the church.

“I love to sing and play the cello, so I’m on the worship team,” said Casciato. “I love working with children, so I’m in kindergarten. I can acquire new skills and find good photos, so I work on one of our technical team’s cameras.

“Collide, and the church in general, is good because it is so focused on God that I give and receive. I can be someone that underclassmen can reach out to, and at the same time, wonderful leaders pour into me.”

Casciato participates in orchestra, chorus, spring musical, fall play, speech, all-state chorus, solo ensemble (chorus and orchestra), Dodger Dance, Code Red, National Honor Society, Mejor Juntos (assisting students in ESL) and ambassadors and acts as secretary of the Performer’s Club.

“It can definitely be exhausting (with a full schedule), but you have to know how to plan your time.” said Casciato. “Fortunately, the fall play and the spring musical don’t overlap, but I still have to manage all the other activities I do as well as school work. Since Mrs. (Lindey) Krug does all of this, she schedules them so that they don’t overlap, since she can’t be in two places at once. We have the Performer’s Club for an hour after school once a week, so she can fit in fall plays and spring musical practices at any other time.

“I have to prioritize my time, choosing when to say no to extra things. If I don’t have a lot of time for schoolwork, I can bring it to work on between scenes. When you love what you do, you’ll have time to do it, so it’s never a question of if I’ll balance my commitments and more of how. Being able to say no, being flexible and communicating almost always means you can spend time on your priorities.”

Casciato added a new activity as a junior, joining the Dodger Dance and Code Red teams.

“I haven’t been to Dodger Dance and Code Red in a long time. This is my second year in Dodger Dance and my first year in Code Red.” said Casciato. “There are so many things that I love about it. Dancing is so much fun and you can put your emotions into it to connect with a piece. Emily (Eastwood), who is in the lead, is amazing in making sure- I know that all different skill levels can feel confident in what they are doing.

“The team environment is one where we all work together, have fun together, mess up together and everything in between.” said Casciato. “We don’t have a lot of drama because everyone wants everyone else to do well. You make so many friendships through dance while doing something you know everyone loves.”

Singing has always been a big part of Casciato’s life since he was a child.

“Whether at home, at church, or once I started school, I’ve always had a passion for singing.” said Casciato. “Like dance, it has such an emotional connection between you and the music. Lyrics can make you think deeply or feel loved, powerful, uplifting, sad, and any other emotion under the sun.

“There’s something about singing that makes you feel full and happy. Singing with a choir adds so much to that. You’re surrounded by people coming together to make beautiful music. The harmonies intertwine with the melody to make a sound that it feels straight from heaven. You’re not just a group of singers, you’re a collective unit with a purpose and passion. Everyone brings something that makes the music even better.”

In his final year as a Dodger, Casicato said he will miss a lot after graduation.

“Having so many opportunities to perform, some really amazing teachers like Ms. (Lindey) Krug, Mr. (Matt) Drees, Ms. (Kim) Wankum, Mr. (Brian) Robison and Prof. (Hinders), seeing my friends. every day, my church family, my parents and siblings, and so many wonderful experiences.” said Casicato. “Every time there is a change, there is loss and gain. I know I will gain a lot from college, but there are wonderful things I have to leave behind. “

Casicato will take many memories with her when she goes to college.

“If I had to pick just one, what I’ll miss the most is definitely my family. They know me, they love me, and they’re always there for me.” said Casicato. “That’s not going to change, but it’s going to be done in a different way. I’m not going to come home every day and have my mom ask me about my day. I’m not going to be able to sit and laugh with my dad for a second and then have the deep conversation again puzzling to the next.

“I won’t be able to see my little brother every day, make sure he’s okay, hug him and show me all his cool stuff. My sister already went to college so it’s been like that, but I can’t talk to her in the bathroom at 11pm and get her advice like we did.

When his time in high school comes to an end, he only plans to enjoy his last few minutes.

“I’m just looking forward to enjoying the connections I have with people while I still have time,” said Casicato. “My friends and I will get together and be ridiculous and a lot of them will do things with me and it will be the last time.

“I’m going to watch horror movies with my dad, play games with my mom, laugh with my brother, play with my dog. I’m going to live in the moment and enjoy what I have.”

One of Casicato’s most memorable performances was “Les Mis.”

“I had a small part (in Les Mis) that I had a lot of fun with, and I got to have a great scene where I interacted directly with my sister, Grace.” said Casciato. “We even had a fake fight on stage, and believe me we had too much fun. It’s one of my favorite musicals, so I was really excited to be a part of it. It was a big thing that I had to deal with my sister.

“I could cheer her on (she got Fantine, which is a big part) and sing, act, even dance a waltz. I also had so much fun with my friends. It was an amazing musical to be a part of and always it will be one of my favorite memories.”

With many teachers and friends helping to shape Casciato into the performer he was, his father Gabriel Casciato was a major influence on his career.

“One of my most important influences is my father (Gabriel Casciato). He was always my hero when I was a kid and I thought he was invincible. Now, he’s even more of an inspiration to me with his faults.” said Casciato. “He works with any problem that comes his way, and they certainly aren’t always easy. He is kind, strong, hardworking and one of the funniest people I know.

“I have a connection with him that’s different than a lot of father-daughter connections. I can go to him with anything, anytime. If I need help, I can always call him and he’ll come get me. It doesn’t matter if I’ve screwed up thing, it’s the middle of the night or he’s really busy. I see how he always tries to do things God’s way. If I could be half the person he is, I’d love him more than I could ever express.”

Casciato plans to attend a four-year college after graduation.

“After high school, I’m going to a four-year college and I’m going to get my degree in elementary education,” said Casicato. “I want to teach and watch the kids learn. I’ve already been accepted to ISU and UNI, so I’m just trying to make up my mind.

“I’m lucky because I already know what I have to do. I have no doubt that I am supposed to work with children.”

Vacation destination: Pizzoferrato, Italy.

People I’d like to have dinner with: Sabrina Carpenter, Lauren Daigle, Jen Ledger, Idina Menzel.

It surprises people that: I can’t whistle, like at all. It’s really sad.

My everyday role model: my father.

I can’t spend a day without: Music.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

Teaching, and hopefully with a husband and children.

What are you listening to right now?

Loads of Sabrina Carepenter’s Short n’ Sweet album and Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS album.

A show you binge watch: “Brooklyn 99”.

Dream piece: The Phantom of the Opera.

Favorites…

Musical: Phantom of the Opera.

Performer that inspires me: Idina Menzel.

Performance: “Les Mis.”

Musical genre: Rock or Pop.

song: “The Resistance” by Skillet.

Instrument: Cello.

Class: Music and Spanish.

Movie: “The Princess Bride.”

Book: Harry Potter.

Phone app: I guess messages because if all else fails, I could still talk to my people.