Former DeKalb Student Stars In "Annie" Title Role On NBC Dec. 2

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The new Annie in "Annie Live!" is a former Wynbrooke Elementary School student, announced DeKalb County School District.

“We are so proud of your dedication and passion for the art,” the school district wrote on a social media post.

Celina Smith, 12, will star in the remake of the classic. The live musical airs at 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.

"Annie Live!" features Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson as the musical's infamous queen of mean, Miss Hannigan, according to NBC’s website.

“Already a triple threat at the age of 12, Smith was selected in a nationwide casting search and can currently be seen on the series Tyler Perry's Young Dylan,” according to the website.

Celina called the news of her role a "dream" in an Instagram post. "I can’t believe I’m Annie! I’m so grateful and thankful for this experience. Today is literally a dream!"

The holiday musical event also features Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan, Megan Hilty as Lily St. Regis, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace.

The musical features iconic songs such as “Tomorrow,” and “It’s A Hard-Knock Life.”