Violet Tinnirello, Sanfordville Elementary School

WARWICK — Violet Tinnirello gets nervous sometimes.
It can happen just before she’s about to go on stage, or before a big audition and especially if it’s a part she really really wants.
Like Shirley Temple.
Violet, a third-grader at Sanfordville Elementary, says she has “always always always” dreamt of portraying the young Depression-era superstar.
“Always” began three years ago, when Violet was just 5 years old and her mom took her to see “Chasing Rainbows, the Road to Oz” an off-Broadway musical about Judy Garland.
It was the role of Shirley Temple that captivated little Violet, and by the time the curtain came down, she had set her mind on one day landing the part.
Commercials and voice-oversNow 8, Violet’s resume includes television commercials, voice-overs and even an appearance on Sesame Street.
Being an actress is great fun, she says, but there’s also quite a bit of work. There are auditions, plus lessons and rehearsals.
“I love all of it,” says Violet. “I love performing for people and I love making them happy.”
A little leader among her classmatesViolet’s principal at Sanfordville Elementary School, Johnna Maraia, says Violet’s positive attitude has a ripple effect in the school and that Violet is a little leader among her peers.
“She always brings the sunshine,” says Maraia.
School, says Violet, is just as wonderful as performing.
“I really love this school,” says Violet. “I love my classes and my friends and I love my teachers.”
But there is that nervousness. Violet, though, has developed a strategy:
“I just decide I’m not gonna be nervous,” she says. “I think about how much fun it’s going to be and the nervousness goes away.”
'And have fun'Then this past summer, “Chasing Rainbows” needed a Shirley Temple for an industry-only performance. Violet was asked to audition and she definitely got just a little nervous.
“I worked and I hoped and I practiced and I got it,” she says. “I don’t think I was ever so excited.”
She knows that other people, even grown-ups, get nervous, too. Her advice?
“Just go for it,” she says. “And have fun.”
Each week, Warwick Valley School District Superintendent Dr. David Leach shines the “The Superintendent’s Spotlight” on one of Warwick Valley’s students. “Superintendent’s Spotlight” features students who reach goals, face challenges and are role models to their peers.