PORT NECHES — Port Neches-Groves High School senior Railey Tassin was bitten by the acting bug at a young age.

Tassin, 18, of Groves was in her first show — “Legally Blonde the Musical,” the summer before her freshman year where she performed with the Beaumont Community Players. Her background in dance, where she began at the age of three at Taylor Dance Studio, helped erase any shred of stage fright, she said. A natural performer, Tassin enjoys singing, dance and theater.

Melissa Eyles, PN-G High School theater instructor, is proud of Tassin.

“Riley has an incredible work ethic. She has spent the last four years contributing to the theater,” Eyles said. “We look forward to her last production in ‘The Addams Family’ in May.”

Tassin prefers musicals but one of her favorite shows was when the portrayed Daisy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby.”

“It’s one of the favorite roles I’ve played,” Tassin said.

The high school senior also enjoys working as a dance assistant where she helps the younger girls such as the baby ballerinas.

“When they actually get it, it’s such a feeling,” Tassin said. “I’ve been at it so long the younger children look to me as a role model.”

Tassin is also exceptional in the academic world. She is a Commended National Merit Scholar, vice-president of the French Club and president of the Thespian Society. She plans to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where she will major in history and minor in theater arts.

Tassin has a love for history as well as acting and dance.

“I’ve always loved to read, write and do research and I’ve done it for fun since an early age,” she said.

Her exact career path isn’t set yet. She knows her strengths and plans to go with the flow, she said.

“I look to figure it out in college, find myself, solidify my path,” she said. “I feel I’ve been ready for college for years and look forward to all the new learning experiences.”

Tassin is the daughter of Jennifer and Terry Tassin.

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