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PORT NECHES — You may have seen him on stage as Gomez Addams or as Damian in Mean Girls or Adolpho in Little Women.

Or maybe you saw him at a Port Neches-Groves High School pep rally with the G-Crew.

Either way, Jeremiah Suarez’s talent shines for all.

The recent graduate spent four years in theater at the high school. During his senior year, he was finally able to take choir. Working with choir and theater assistant Tevin Henson, Suarez brought home the gold by earning a “1” on his University Interscholastic League state solo.

Henson calls Suarez very talented.

“For his first time in choir in high school to get that far, his talent speaks for itself, honestly,” Henson said.

Suarez said Henson trained him during the school year to prepare for the tough Class 1 song, “He That Keepeth Israel.”

Henson taught Suarez how to perform the song and provided him with a video of him singing it to practice with.

The song choice came from Henson, as it is one of his favorites. He found a video of the piano portion, then sang over that to make the track.

“The song is one of the hardest (as a Class 1) but it is in English, which is easier,” Henson said. “It changes key a few times and rhythms and some sections is just him singing and the piano waiting for the cue.”

Henson, of Orange, has been with PNG High School for two years and is continuing his music degree so he can become a fully certified music teacher.

Suarez has been singing since he was 4 and comes from a line of gifted singers, including his mother, who also went to state competition in choir.

Melissa Eyles, theater director who was named to the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame, said Suarez has been a leader on and off the state during his four years in the PNG theater department.

“He has regularly held prominent roles on stage, but it has been his mentorship to younger students that has made him truly stand out,” Eyles said. “His heart isn’t just in entertaining people, but in bringing people together through the work to create family. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.”

Suarez was an involved student at PNG, serving on the student board for the thespian group for three years.

He was also part of the group that worked to earn Gold Honor Troupe status this year.

While spending time with theater and choir, Suarez worked toward his future, having been part of HOSA- Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America.

His instructor, Kathryn Runnels, helped HOSA students earn certification as a PCT, or patient care technician.

Suarez plans to attend Lamar University for nursing.

The recent graduate is not done with theater. He plans to audition for Port Arthur Little Theater’s “Little Mermaid.”

He offered a few words of advice for others interested in singing.

“Practice makes perfect. Pick a song perfect for your voice, and theater really helps you to stand on stage in front of the judge or with stage fright. The two (choir and theater) go well hand in hand,” he said.