Lucia Forte ’26
From singing opera with the range of a soprano to playing exotic instruments, Jack Celluci’24 takes a unique approach to his artistic passions. Celluci’s diverse and enthusiastic nature enables him to be a well-rounded artist bringing a new perspective to each discipline.
Since Celluci was a young child, he has had a passion for creating music. “No one in my family has ever really been musical except my grandfather,” Celluci explains, “So in third grade when I auditioned for my elementary school’s district choir, I was shocked that I got in! Since then music has been a huge part of life.” Celluci’s childhood start in music and theater saw many successes, ranging from being cast as “Michael Darling” in Paxton Hollow Middle School’s production of Peter Pan, to being accepted into the Philadelphia Boys’ Honors Choir when he was only 10-years-old. Celluci describes, “When I was younger, my go-to audition song was always ‘Happy Birthday’ – it’s what got me into the Boys Choir!” Celluci maintains his childhood passion for music to this day and is open to exploring all different kinds of music, ranging from singing Italian arias to musical theater madrigals. Additionally, Celluci has a unique passion for exotic instruments and over the years has learned to play the jaw-harp, the melodica, and the didgeridoo.
Besides fifth-grade choirs and uncommon instruments, Celluci has led a successful high school career in musical theater. Since arriving at EA in his freshman year, Celluci has taken advantage of what our school’s theater program has to offer while simultaneously forming his own impact on the community. Daniel Clay, Theatre Department Chair, describes some of Celluci’s attributes that have allowed him to flourish in his theatrical career. “I think that one of Jack’s most valuable traits, which is very valuable as an artist but also as just a student and a human being, is his intellectual curiosity,” Clay says. “Jack does a lot of things—he does community service, he is into languages, he obviously loves theater, and is interested in pretty much everything.” The strengths that Celluci has honed through his artistry have inspired passion in these other parts of his life. To name a few, Celluci is on the Community Service Leadership Board, writes Scholium, and runs the “Knitting Club.” Mr. Clay also went on to describe how Celluci’s leadership skills have contributed to the theater community at EA. “He’s a member of the Domino Board, and I can tell that his peers really view him as a leader who makes others feel comfortable and at home in the theater setting. He’s compassionate, really makes the freshmen feel welcome, and brings all-around good energy and positivity to rehearsal each day.”
Celluci possesses a unique, vibrant personality which has significantly helped push him to where he is today. Both music and theater are very emotional and imaginative disciplines, and they require a specific type of personality which Celluci more than demonstrates. This can be seen in Celluci’s success both in and outside of EA. Besides playing “Fester,” in last year’s Spring Musical, The Addams Family, Celluci is a member of the Vocal Ensemble, the school band, and drumline, and is co-leader of the Music Service Club. He does this on top of being involved in as many other extracurriculars as he can fit into his daily schedule and remains passionate about everyone. Celluci’s success in music has continued this past summer, in which Celluci spent his summer continuing to improve his abilities.“This summer, I was able to rejoin the Philadelphia Boys Choir,” Celluci describes. “It was a lot of fun – we traveled through four states, singing the entire time.”
Photo Courtesy of Jack Celluci ’24
All those who know Celluci, however, can attest that Celluci’s most valuable trait is not his angelic soprano voice or his talent as an actor—it is his ability to inspire the people around him. Celluci’s sister, Samantha Cellucci ’26, spoke on how her brother has encouraged her to always try her hardest. “I admire Jack’s courage and determination, and he inspires me every day to show up and be the best person I can be. I am proud of where he is today and how his passion has helped him grow into the talented, compassionate person he is today.”