Like many children who watch a television show or go to a movie and think about becoming a performer, Andrew Benassi decided to make it happen.

He used to dance around and create performances for his grandparents. But then, when he was in the sixth grade at Cottonwood Middle School, Benassi tried out for and won a part in Missoula Children’s Theater’s performance of “Robinson Crusoe.”

“That’s what did it for me. I loved it. It was my first time acting in a stage performance,” Benassi said. “Lots of kids talk about it, but when I was in that play I knew it was something I really wanted to do with my life.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Jan. 9, edition of The Camp Verde Journal or the Cottonwood Journal Extra.