Even a global pandemic during their late middle school and early high school years couldn’t stop these 10 teens from showing us their capacity for overcoming adversity to excel in the arts, academics, athletics and so much more. Come meet the multi-hyphenates (entrepreneur/rower/debater! scientist/dancer/class president!) who represent the best of Stamford’s next generation. This year’s group of talented young people impressed us by how they made their mark being true to themselves, leaning into their personal interests to shine. If there is a through line that connects them all, it is an authenticity that seems to belie their age. No matter our own stage of life, we all have a lot to learn from and be inspired by their passion and determination. We look forward to watching their stories unfold. This is simply the first act.
See the rest of this year’s Stamford Teens to Watch.
Niko RINALDI
Westhill High School
When I met Niko Rinaldi, the 17-year-old Westhill High School senior had just spent the day in Manhattan doing what he loves: performing. And he was doing it for a good cause. “It was a cabaret for brain cancer awareness,” he says. “So, for me, a really great day.”
In performing arts speak, Niko is the epitome of a triple threat: He sings, he dances, he acts. And he does it all with a charming enthusiasm for his craft.
The affable Rinaldi first imagined himself under the center stage lights in elementary school, while sitting in the Westhill audience for a Northstar Playmakers performance of “Guys and Dolls.”
“Right away, I said, ‘Wow, I’m going up there. I want to be on that stage doing that.’” By 10, he was taking singing and acting lessons. His first break was playing a munchkin in the “Wizard of Oz.”
Rianldi has since moved up the ranks of the playbill to leading man. In June he took on the dazzling role of Billy Flynn in “Chicago” at Westhill. “He’s a smooth-talking Frank Sinatra type of guy,” he says of his character. “It’s been so much fun to prepare for this one.” He’s also had starring roles for Northstar Player’s performances of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Our Macbeth.”
Rinaldi is also involved in Stamford Curtain Call’s Summer Youth Theatre (he’s on its board), has been part of the Shine Theater Arts Project, the Broadway Youth Ensemble and often performs in charity benefits.
He’s also forever refining his performing repertoire. He studies at the Broadway Dance Center, where tap has become a favorite class. “There is something that feels free and interesting because you don’t have to point your toes like you do in ballet or even jazz,” he says.
He also takes on-camera acting lessons, was featured in a meningitis vaccine print ad and had a fun cameo as an extra in the film adaptation of “In the Heights.” Rinaldi’s experience was incredible “I got to meet so many amazing people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos and Melissa Barrera. You can catch me in the movie if you look really close at the kids playing in the fire hydrants at the end.”
Although his free time is scarce, Rinaldi is an honor student who studies in Westhill’s Agriscience program. This summer he was off to the pre-college program at the Boston Conservatory with future college plans that include more performing arts studies. “At this point, I’m all in,” he says. “I can’t imagine a life that doesn’t have me up on the stage.”
POP QUIZ
What’s your favorite pizza in town?
“Mario the Baker. The cheese-to-sauce ratio is just perfect. There’s no flop to it. If there’s too much flop, the cheese is falling off. Sometimes I get plain, but I also go for sausage and pepperoni.”