Third-Grader Learns Roles of Student and Actor Through TTU K‑12

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

At just eight years old, TTU K-12 third-grader River Drosche is already on the path to his future. He already is what he wants to be when he grows up – an actor.

New to Texas Tech University Elementary School, starting his second semester of third grade in January, River is from a small town in central Texas. His mom Lawana says he got involved in acting about two years ago.

“He signed with an agent in Austin and began doing things like regional commercials and short films,” she said. “An exploratory trip to Los Angeles last spring for a training class led to River being represented by a top youth talent agency.”

At the recommendation of River's managers, Lawana says the family traveled to L.A. in July for what was originally planned as an eight-week stay. She and his sister Kennisyn, who's 12, helped River and his dad, Jason, get settled in, and then returned to Texas.

“It was a successful stay, and it ended up being extended on a couple of occasions,” Lawana said. “During that time, River landed his first co-star role on network television playing the role of Cody Ransom in an episode of ‘The Rookie' on ABC.”

She added that there were lots of frequent flier miles accumulated during the fall months to keep the family together as much as possible. Upon arriving home for the Thanksgiving holidays, River learned that he had booked a co-starring role for an episode of a hit drama on Fox television.

“While the name of the show is unable to be announced until it airs, River filmed the role in February. And yes, it involved working with an on-set teacher using the TTU K-12 curriculum,” she said.

River's family soon realized traditional school was not going to be a viable option for him to be able to pursue these opportunities.

“While our local school district was helpful during the first semester of third grade in allowing us to do a partial homeschool program in conjunction with public school, that joint effort was challenging for everyone,” Lawana explained.

“When we were in search of an alternative to the traditional public school system, it was primarily for River to be able to more easily attend auditions and acting/coaching classes. That was a challenge during typical hours of a brick-and-mortar school,” she said. “The greatest benefit has been the ability to set our own schedule that allows for flexibility to meet the demands of an industry that is often ‘last minute' with appointments and engagements.”

Lawana also explained that it was important to their family for River to be in an accredited program with a solid reputation, where they could communicate with the administrators and instructors.

“Everyone has been so pleasant and helpful. TTU K-12 came highly recommended and we couldn't be more pleased with our experience so far!"

River is as excited about the flexibility of the program as his mom. Without hesitation he says the best thing is that he doesn't have to carry around a heavy backpack, and that he gets to have lunch with his dad, who is also his teacher. He says he also enjoys that when it comes to a short break, he gets to go out and toss a football, baseball or take a walk around the block.

According to Lawana, River got a new puppy, Gypsy, just before the Christmas holidays, so he takes advantage of every opportunity to play with her when he is home in Texas.

“He also likes to go on hikes, jump on the trampoline, ride bicycles and swim. In the summertime, he enjoys an occasional trip to the lake to ride the wave runner,” she continued.

But also, like other 8-year-olds, she says if they didn't put time limits on things, River could spend hours playing Nintendo games or watching movies on his iPad. Mom says River also has quite a knack for acquiring all the electric utilities and railroad properties when they play Monopoly on family boardgame night!

Even though he is loving pursuing acting, River said without missing a beat, “I want to be an actor, but I want to go to college, too!" And Lawana believes his experience with TTU K-12 is preparing him well for both.

“Although we have a great deal of flexibility with the TTU K-12 program, we have used it as a tool to demonstrate the importance of scheduling and adaptability,” she explained. “While we have developed our own schedule and the daily times during which we do school lessons and projects, being adaptable and completing the work at other times is important.”

“We feel River is learning first-hand the concepts of time management, adaptability and scheduling much earlier with independent study than he might in a traditional school.”

For other families with children who want to chase their dreams and passions, or just need that flexibility, Lawana highly recommends a portable education through TTU K-12.

“By all means, enroll in TTU K-12 without hesitation. The lessons are very easy to follow, and the system is very user friendly. Being enrolled in Texas Tech Elementary School has allowed us to meet educational requirements and demands in a much easier way for River, and with a quality program.

“If your family is looking for an alternative to a traditional school for whatever reason, we highly recommend TTU K-12. As long as River is continuing to pursue his love of acting, it will be done in conjunction with TTU K-12.”