Center High School senior named finalist in National Shakespeare Competition

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Center High School senior, Sheridan Mirador advanced as a top 10 finalist for the National Shakespeare Competition.

"To be able to be recognized for something that I'm so passionate about, and something I truly want to do for the rest of my life, it's just been something that, a feeling that I'll never be able to feel in a really long time," the humble senior said with excitement.

Mirador was supposed to head to New York City to compete, but due to COVID-19, that trip was canceled.

"To me, there was a sense of dread in my heart because I didn't want the competition to get canceled, but I almost saw it ahead of time," Mirador's teacher, Andrew Hanch said. "My hope was that he would keep rehearsing his lines and carrying on, which I think was important."

Later, competition leaders decided to make it into a virtual video competition.

While Mirador won't be going to New York, he said he's still thrilled to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Maybe even more so, because I truly just did not know what they would believe in my performance and video," Mirador said. "I usually am just a live performer so I think just, I'm really really excited. I'm excited to see the other performers and see what they've been working on."

Hanch said Mirador had a positive outlook on the new adjustment, on top of all the difficult courses he was taking as a senior.

"When the format of everything changed, he rolled with that as well," Hanch said. "You know, so that flexibility and learning to deal with problems and doing it to the best of your ability pays off, so it's just a compliment from me to Sheridan."

You can help Sheridan win the 'People's Choice' part of the competition. He is number 47 and voting ends Thursday. To vote, text NSC47 to 212-818-1200.