This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Julie Andrews: 'Perpich is the Shining Example This Country Should Model.'

The legendary actress, singer, and writer advocated for arts education during her visit to the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley.

Arts revitalize, inspire, and transport us, Julie Andrews said Thursday to a crowd of high school juniors and seniors who attend , a public residential high school in Golden Valley.

 “As a passionate advocate for arts education, the Academy Award winning actress chose to visit the Perpich Center because of its reputation for excellence and its mission to provide all Minnesota students the opportunity to develop their artistic and academic abilities,” said Kevyn Burger, the school’s Communications Director.

Andrews visited the school to share a personal message about the value of learning through the arts. As she took the stage at the school’s Black Box Theater to talk and answer questions from students, she received a standing ovation. Andrews attended an arts-based school herself in London.

Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Arts serve as a mirror for humanity,” Andrews said. “Perpich is the shining example that this country should model."

Her biggest piece of advice to students is to “learn what it is you love,” and be ready for opportunities.

Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I’ve had many moments of serendipity,” she said. “I think if you’re passionate about what you do, opportunities will arise at moments you least expect them.”

Despite recent talk by the Minnesota legislature that , Andrews’ visit was not political, said Ben Schultz, a senior at Perpich who invited Julie Andrews to the school about two years ago.

Perpich is “still in line to take a budget cut” from the state this year, according to Burger.

“Budget cuts are robbing youth of a necessity.” Andrews said.

Schultz, 18, who is from Isle, Minnesota, emailed Andrews’ manager at the beginning of his junior year, asking if she would be able to visit. He received a response saying that Andrews was booked for the year, but that he would be kept on the list for a possible visit in the future.

Schultz had approached the school’s Executive Director, Sue Mackert, asking if the school could bring his “favorite person in the world,” for a visit.

“It was something I’ve only dreamed of,” Schultz said. “I would not trade this experience for the world.”

He hoped his peers would be inspired and motivated by Andrews’ career example as an Academy Award winning actress, singer, and award winning author.

“It’s a push for them to keep going, whether they have doubts or not,” he said.

Andrews is best known for her roles in the movies Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. More recently, she wrote a memoir and spent the last 30 years writing a collection of children’s books. She and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have written 23 books together.

She visited Perpich Thursday while she was in the area for a book signing for her most recent children’s book, “The Very Fairy Princess Takes the Stage,” which is co-authored with her daughter.

Andrews underwent throat surgery about 15 years ago and was left unable to sing at the high octaves she used to. She shared with Perpich students that when she was upset about the loss of her voice, her daughter Emma said, “Mom, you just found a new way to use your voice.”

Andrews said she never put her career before her family and friends. She has five children and nine grandchildren. She said she is still adjusting to the loss of her husband, Blake Edwards, who passed away December of last year.

To students who feel self-conscious or nervous about pursuing a career in the arts, Andrews said: “You never stop being nervous until you’re very familiar with what you’re doing. I’m still nervous. But I’m excited and joyful about doing something new (writing books).”

She urged the students that, when they turn 18, vote for someone who is passionate about the arts and arts education.

“It’s very important to make sure arts are not lost for our youth,” Andrews said. “You never stop learning.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Golden Valley