Winning! The Lion King's Chauntee Schuler Remembers Her Years as a School Champion

As kids all over America head back to school, Broadway.com decided to ask our favorite Broadway stars to look back at their own years in the classroom, sharing memories of favorite subjects and activities and describing their younger selves. Chauntee Schuler, who stars as Nala in The Lion King, had plenty of school pride as a youngster—and even has early experience playing a feline, thanks to a fourth grade assembly!

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
It's a draw between my seventh grade choir teacher, Mr. Relaford, and my high school biology teacher and volleyball coach, Mr. Mann. Both inspired me to be everything I could be.

What advice would you give to your school-age self?
Relax. Eat some vegetables. And sleep!

In school you would have been named "most likely to…"
I was named Most Likely to Become a Kindergarten Teacher.

What song sums up your school experience and why?
"We Are the Champions." My school years were filled with awesome awards and prizes for myself and my school teams, so we always felt like we were such winners!

What’s your favorite back-to-school item?
Notebooks! I still love notebooks!

What class did you dread and why?
Geography. Me, maps, locations....not a good mix.

What is your most embarrassing school moment?
I was a Siamese cat in the fourth grade end-of-year presentation, and my tail fell off during our show. I was so embarrassed. (At least until I left elementary school.)

In which extracurricular activities did you participate?
I loved academics, sports, and friends, so I did 4-H, Volleyball, Track, Basketball, Latin Club, Drama, Student Government, Math Club, Chorus, Debate...the list goes on, but I had so much fun!

Describe your school-age self in three words.
Energetic. Driven. Fun!

Keep checking back for more School Days memories from your favorite stars.