School Spectacular showcase a dream come true for Elyse Sene-Lefao

The theme for this year’s School Spectacular is “dream big”. It is no coincidence that it is also the mantra that 16-year-old Elyse Sene-Lefao lives her life by.

Elyse Sene-Lefao is a Kings Park local who is a featured artist in this year's Schools Spectacular. Photo: Anna Warr.

The theme for this year’s School Spectacular is “dream big”. It is no coincidence that it is also the mantra that 16-year-old Elyse Sene-Lefao lives her life by.

Singing is a big part of Elyse’s life, who is a featured artist in the School Spectacular this year.

The Kings Park teen has performed at the Sydney Opera House, regularly sings in front of her school and will perform at the Penrith Valley Performing Arts Festival, but was surprised that she was picked as a featured artist.

“I feel privileged to be part of it. I never thought I would make it. Having this opportunity is amazing ... when they were telling us that we are performing at Qudos Bank Arena, the nerves already started to kick in!” Elyse, who is a year 11 student at Kingswood High School, said.

Elyse has been singing from a young age — “music is something that brings everybody together” — and has a gruelling rehearsal schedule.

“I just finished TDP (Talent Development Program) auditions and that was full day, and then we start School Spectacular rehearsals in September,’’ she said.

“I have to skip school for that and they are on weekends too. The Penrith Valley performance is in August and another performance in Peakhurst,” Elyse said.

“I have to rehearse by myself for one to two hours every day. The rest of the time is spend focusing on school.”

The hours of dedication hasn’t deterred the bubbly teenager. She counts her family as her “No. 1 support team”, especially her 24-year-old sister Suzanne.

Talent clearly runs in the family. Elyse’s oldest brother is Cronulla Sharks player Jesse Sene-Lefao.

Elyse is enjoying the present but has one eye to the future.

“I want to keep striving for my dream. I know it’s going to take a long time but I’m willing to take on whatever to make my dreams come true. I want to get more exposure in Australia. This is a time where I can prove myself to everyone,” she said.

When she is not busy with rehearsals, Elyse likes to take time to relax with her friends and is an avid touch football and rugby league player.