NATCHEZ — Middle school is often a time for firsts, something a Morgantown Arts Academy 6th-grader experienced when she was cast in the school play. 

Shana Morris, 11, is in her first year at Morgantown. It’s also her first year learning to play the violin.

“It’s fun and exciting,” Morris said.

But when Morris decided to try out for “The Outsiders,” it also became her first year to really explore theatricals.

“I got the part of Marcia,” Morris said.

The play is based on S.E. Hinton’s book “The Outsiders” about youth from the wrong side of the tracks. In the book, Marcia is a Soc.

“The Greasers are the poor kids and the Socs are the rich kids who get whatever they want,” Morris said.

Morris said she has not read the book, but she knows the basics of the plot. Ultimately, Morris said, two of the Greasers, Ponyboy and Johnny, become heroes.

Kaye Stucky, drama teacher at Morgantown, said the play has a good message.

“I think it ends up teaching a great lesson about learning beyond yourself,” Stuckey said.

Even though she doesn’t take drama, Morris decided to audition because one of her friends didn’t want to audition alone.

“We had to read part of the script that the teacher had,” Morris said.

Stucky said approximately 30 students tried out, but the cast only required 17 actors. Morris, Stucky said, spoke very clearly and fit the role.

“She just gave such a convincing reading,” Stuckey said.

When Morris saw her name on the list of who was selected her first thoughts, she said, were positive ones.

“Oh my God,” Morris said, “I’m so excited I’m going to be doing this.”

The play, which Thornton said will not be performed until December, is also around the time of Morris’ first violin concert.

“I’m mostly nervous and a bit excited and very overwhelmed,” Morris said.

But, ultimately, it is one of the things Morris said she was looking forward to most this year: a new experience.

Morris is the daughter of Christina and Terance Morris.