Trudi-anne Howe a teen with no limits By Shelly Ann Thompson, Youth Writer
AT 16 Trudi-Anne Howe, can be labelled student, actress and leader. She's making her marks in school and on the stage and as a mentor to fellow youngsters. Trudi-Anne, a past student of Lannaman's Preparatory and a 2001 graduate of St. Andrew High School is living by her philosophy "to be the best has no limits". She has been awarded a certificate for good progress by St. Andrew every year since her enrolment in first form. In addition, she has certificates for school citizenship and school involvement, including the role of form captain. Trudi-Anne has also received a number of certificates, trophies and medals in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) speech competitions. Among them is the trophy in this year's Best Speech for class five Standard English. The school's speech choir which she helped to coach also gained the national gold trophy. Her involvement with the competition has opened many doors. For two years she was a part of the Children's Bible Club Programme aired on RJR. She was also interviewed by American cable station Nickelodeon, for a concept involving youths with vision. Currently Trudi-Anne is among a group of young people cast in a play, written and directed by David Tulloch (who she met while practising for the JCDC competition) entitled 'Block 24'. The storyline is centered around youth who run away from home and move to the inner-city and subsequently become faced with the challenges of living in that area. Trudi-Anne explained that she has a passion for the stage. "I love it, love it", she said adding that she has no favourite role as they are all important. Her actions are now focused in the theatre where she says it's more "motivating to an audience." "They can see real and live expressions and the affection between cast members is like a family setting," she said. Her next five years will include attending classes at UWI, pursuing a Law degree "just in case acting fails" and of course, doing more acting. Even though it's summer, this is no break for Trudi-Anne. When not rehearsing, time is spent working in the Book Room at St. Andrew High preparing rental packages. Trudi-Anne gives credit for her success so far to the "best upbringing from Mom and Dad" and her own strength. "I know what's best for me, so I do just that," she said, "I don't wait until I mess up to be advised, I just do what is right".
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