Freshman Alexis Aponte walked into her a capella audition nervous and second-guessing her every move. Her palms were sweaty, and all eyes were on her. She heard the rhythm of her heart start to get faster with every step she took, catching her breath, and when it was all over, she smiled knowing she had made the right decision in auditioning.
“I wanted to take choir, but I couldn’t because I’m in theater workshop, so I tried out hoping I would still sing someway. I didn’t think I was going to make it cause I was a freshman and I had cheer conflicts. Plus, there are so many talented people at West. I was able to work it out, and when I saw my name was in Hi-Fi, I was so excited,” Alexis Aponte said.
Aponte is the only freshman on High Fidelity, Niles West’s all girls a capella group. Some days, Aponte is at Niles West from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Right after the 3:23 p.m. bell rings, she begins cheerleading practice from 3:45-6:30p.m., then goes straight to a capella from 6:30-9p.m.
Ideally, Aponte wishes to take part in band and choir, but she wouldn’t trade her position on High Fidelity for the world. Aponte has already made a positive impact in High Fidelity and has made her mark this year.
“Alexis is an amazing singer and full of energy. She was the only freshman to make High Fidelity this year, which is hard to do. Whenever I see her she gives me a hug and is always so full of positivity. We have welcomed her into our group as basically our daughter, and our group would not be the same without her,” fellow member Marlyne Rodriguez said.
Aponte also uses her strong voice when cheering for Niles West’s cheerleading team.
“I started cheer because I always loved watching the videos of all these great stunts, pyramids, tumbling, cheers, and dances. I thought it was easy until I started but I soon realized it was a very dangerous and competitive sport,” Aponte said.
Aponte began cheerleading for the junior Wolves when she was only in fifth grade, then continued for her middle school, Lincoln Jr. High. Aponte tried out for the Niles West cheerleading team last May and has been a part of the team ever since.
“She is a flyer in cheer and I base her. She really works hard, and I already see so much improvement. I love being her base because she is always working on getting better and it makes it so much easier to work with her,” cheer teammate Rita Ismayl said.
Aponte is admired by many for her talent, realness, and honesty.
“Her amazing talents make her stand out. She is one of the most talented people I have ever met. I admire her honesty most. She is not afraid to say what is on her mind when it needs to be said,” friend Julia Mclemore said.
When Aponte isn’t cheering or signing for High Fidelity, she spends her free time auditioning and performing in professional theaters in Chicago.
“I do musical theater because it combines my two favorite things: acting and singing,” Aponte says.
Alexis has performed at the Marriott theater, the Lyric Opera house, and the Light Oprah Works in Chicago, and one day hopes to have the opportunity to perform in a New York City theater.
