“Tuvimos la libertad de expresarnos a través del arte, la poesía, la ciencia, la música y, sobre todo, simplemente estando en la naturaleza.” – Anastasia Tegheni
Anastasia Tegheni has been enrolled with us since she was 7 years old, along with her older brother Damian, who graduated from West River Academy in 2021. Blessed with parents who understood the importance of childhood exploration, they fostered an environment where curiosity roamed freely and passions were pursued enthusiastically.
In their early years, Anastasia and Damian found solace and expression in sketching the beauty of the natural world around them, from the intricate patterns of insects to the serene majesty of the local flora and fauna. As Anastasia matured, her artistic talents found a new canvas in acrylic painting, where she discovered a penchant for capturing not just images, but emotions, within her work. National recognition soon followed, with Anastasia’s pieces earning accolades in esteemed art exhibitions.
Enjoy some of her work.
However, her artistic talent was just one part of her diverse interests. During her teenage years, Anastasia discovered a passion for competitive marksmanship, where she found herself excelling in focus and determination. With the support of a dedicated mentor, she flourished in national competitions, showcasing her abilities beyond the realm of art. During our conversation in this interview, she shared how that period in her life held significant importance, as it marked the beginning of her deep appreciation for patience, conscientiousness and discipline.
Then at age 14, Anastasia’s vocal skills took center stage when she WOWED her Music History teacher with a moving performance of Angela Gheorgiu’s “The Tree.” Anastasia faced a crossroads at this time, where her growing passion for opera clashed with the demands of her firing practice. The shooting range was on the opposite side of town from where she had her music practice. That’s when she made the decision to put her ALL into her dream career as an Opera Singer. In November 2023, she clinched First Place in the National Opera Competition, scoring both a prize and a scholarship offer. With her graduation from West River Academy set for May 2024, she’s eagerly anticipating the start of her next chapter!
Here are some pictures about her Opera career
Please watch the video interview below to hear Anastasia’s story straight from the source.