Shannon Wilkinson is an accomplished dancer, having taken classes at Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre for 14 years, where she also serves as a teaching assistant. This week’s Liverpool High School Senior of the Week has also been on Tawn Marie’s competition team for 12 years, winning several regional competitions and earning nominations to the National Dance Team. Her passion for dance has led her to such faraway locales as Disney World, Chicago and Madison Square Garden. Shannon has also performed locally at the Great New York State Fair’s Talent Showcase and the Christmas tree lighting in Clinton Square. She hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dance with a concentration in business management so that she, like Tawn Marie owner Tawn Campolieti, can own a dance studio.
Shannon’s dancing has also introduced her to a passion for serving her community. Through Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre, she started working with Hope for Heather, a Liverpool-based nonprofit that raises awareness for ovarian cancer and supports those fighting it. The organization is named for former Tawn Marie dancer Heather Weeks, who lost her own battle with cancer in 2008. Shannon also volunteers for the CNY SPCA, Francis House and the Samaritan Center, and she participates in the Buddy Walk for Down syndrome.
When she isn’t dancing, Shannon enjoys listening to music and reading, and she works as a nanny and babysitter. Her favorite classes are English with Mrs. Berry and chemistry with Mrs. Flick.
Shannon said her grandfather has had the biggest influence on her life.
“He always encouraged me to be the best I can be,” she said. “He never missed a show, whether it was at a dance competition or just in the backyard. He always told me to follow my dreams and made me feel like I could accomplish anything.”
