THREE Margaret River Senior High School students have been experiencing a mix of emotions this week as they are stuck in exams but also have some elating news.
Year 12 students Rohan Backsai, Kieran Renolds and Sean Becker have all been accepted into the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
The keen guitarists said the academy was very hard to get into, especially fresh out of high school.
Each year, only 42 places are open to people of all ages and the boys had to apply online before travelling to Perth to give interviews, perform pieces and complete tests.
They also need to pass their year 12 exams.
Kieran said his successful application probably came down to his "teachers and dedication".
Growing up locally, the boys have all enjoyed support from their primary school years through to high school with everyone from parents, teachers, peers and community members making an effort to encourage them.
Two of the students play in local bands Tartarus and The Acitones, another source of support.
Lesley Motherwall, Kieran's mother, thanked her son's teachers for their help, naming Margaret River Primary School music specialist Helen Collis, MRSHS head of music Priscilla Denboer and MRSHS guitar instructor Bruce Godden as just a few of the people to be credited.
Mr Godden said there had been about 15 students accepted from Margaret River over the years but this was the first time there hadbeen three in one year.
According to the boys, WAAPA's lecturer and skilled guitarist Jonathan Paget seemed fairly used to the academy's candidates coming from Margaret River.
"When we said we were from Margaret River he smiled," Kieran said.
Asked their goals for the future, the boys said "make music" and "be happy".
