Viola Davis' Emmy acceptance speech strikes chord with RI students

PROVIDENCE — At the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts in Providence, every child is working to become a star.

On Sunday night, the future stars saw themselves on stage when a woman from Central Falls became the first female of color to win best actress in a drama.

"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," Viola Davis said in her acceptance speech.

"The one thing that I took out of her speech was opportunity is not given to everybody, but for the ones who take it - and they take advantage of it - are the ones that succeed and go further in life," TAPA senior Shaydee Saythideth said.

"Honestly, I think it's inspiring that people from your neighborhood can prosper and rise to that level," TAPA senior Preston Powell said.

Others agreed.

"Now, we can say that somebody made it," TAPA sophomore Steven Rosario said. "It sets the bar high, but think what we can accomplish."

The name Richard Jenkins isn't as well known, but students know his face. He won his first Emmy after years of working hard in Hollywood and at the Ocean State's Trinity Repertory Company.

Jenkins, along with Davis, got their start at Trinity Rep. Jenkins even served as their artistic director.

"To some degree, it's like just keep working. Success might not happen right away," said Tyler Dobrowsky of Trinity Rep.

The children might even get a chance to meet Jenkins when he helps direct "Oklahoma" in the spring.

"He came from Rhode Island, so I want to know how he did it so I can possibly follow that path too," TAPA sophomore Idallis Taylor said.

Davis and Jenkins reminded them that anything can happen and even the smallest state has the ability to shine bright.