2019 Nicolas Rowan walked off the Mississippi College football field late on a Friday night in early November 2016. His football team Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) had just played for the MAIS 4A State Championship against Jackson Prep Academy. Jackson Prep won but Rowan did not have time to look back at the loss. On the next Monday, he would begin a new task as the Varsity Boys Team Basketball Manager. As team manger, he would be responsible for managing team equipment, filming games and recording stats. The boys basketball team went on to win the 2016-2017 MAIS 4A State Championship and later the 2016-2017 MAIS Overall State Championship.
In the midst of the winning basketball season, the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Visual and Performing Arts Department held casting auditions for Beauty and the Beast Jr. Rowan auditioned for various parts but received a call back for the role of the Beast, a lead role in the tale. He landed the part. Now he had to further step outside his comfort zone because the role required him to sing. He did not have a singing background but he learned, adapted and later “WOW” the audience with his newfound vocal talent. Rowan’s 3 to 4 hour spring play practices would be preceded by 2-3 hours of football training and track & field practices. He also throws shot put and discus for MRA. He does it all while maintaining his cumulative 4.0 G.PA.
Rowan put on a great performance in the play Beauty and the Beast Jr. on the weekend of April 7-8, 2017. He was a hit with the general audience and especially among the young fans. He has added the title “Actor” as another feather in his cap which already includes Fellowship of Christian Athletes Volunteer (FCA), National Honor Society Member, President’s Excellence in Education Award Recipient, and 2-year (27 consecutive games) Varsity Starting Offensive Guard. He holds offers from Jackson State University and Alcorn State University and is receiving interest from Yale University, West Point Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Memphis. In short, Nicolas Rowan is a man of many talents. He is well rounded, academically gifted, and what some would call a Renaissance Man.
