Malarie Drake

High School

Malarie Drake is a high school student at Arkansas Connections Academy. Malarie loves the flexibility that Arkansas Connections Academy offers, which allows her to pursue her career as an actor, writer, and artist, all while being challenged educationally. Read her story below:

“I started at Arkansas Connections Academy halfway through my freshman year. Prior to that, I attended Pottsville School District. I loved Pottsville, but Arkansas Connections Academy has allowed me to have a flexible schedule and pursue my dreams.

I started doing community theater when I was four. I transitioned into film/TV at age twelve, when I landed my first movie role. I also am an avid artist. This past spring, I teamed up with a writer from New York, and I illustrated a children’s book. I also have art currently on display at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Right now, my acting is keeping me busy, and I love every minute of it.

What I like most about Connections Academy is the flexibility in the schedule. I can learn while pursing my dreams as an actress. Plus, the teachers are fantastic!

— Malarie

I travel a lot with auditions, and Arkansas Connections Academy works well for me because it allows me to do my schoolwork at any time of day and anywhere I can access the internet. In the past three weeks, I have traveled to Washington, DC, Kentucky, and Nashville for auditions. If I were in a regular classroom, this would not have been possible.

My other passion is writing, so I love English! It allows me to take an adventure by reading a story, or learn more about how to improve my writing skills. My teachers are awesome. They are always willing to help try to make learning fun. They are very easy to communicate with. My future plans are to continue acting and writing. Connections Academy has helped prepare me for my future by allowing me to take the courses I need to be ready for college and whatever else comes my way.”