Editor's Note:
 
Jackie Huang, a junior at Lafayette High School, received this year's Missouri Fine Arts Academy scholarship award.  She will join 220 students across Missouri to attend the 2002 Academy class at the campus of Southwest Missouri State University, June 9-29, 2002.
 
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the Fine Arts Academy in cooperation with Southwest Missouri State University.  It is made possible through funds appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly and was established to provide enrichment opportunities which may differ significantly from those provided in the more traditional high school programs.  The student to be chosen to participate the Missouri Fine Arts Academy will not only benefit personally from this unique experience, but will also play a role in the development and improvement of programs for advanced students throughout Missouri schools.
 
Each year, only 2 students from each Missouri school district can be recommended to apply for this Missouri Fine Arts Academy scholarship.   As the winner from Rockwood School District, Jackie Huang will represent her school and community and be a guest of the State of Missouri, the City of Springfield, and Southwest Missouri State University this summer.
 
To apply for the scholarship, Jackie had to submit 8 pieces of her artwork and an essay talking about her personal dream and how to assure the dream can come true.  Following is the essay written by Jackie Huang.