During a recent exchange with the students, some shared how they feel about their most recent accomplishments and about their lives as young emerging artists in our community. Visual artist Giselle Beltran said, "As a developing artist and student growing up in Miami I find myself standing in an extremely fortunate position. I am grateful to be living in a community that is so encouraging and supportive of young artists like myself. I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue exploring while also engaging with other young artists of the community," while Khandis Merritt, from the theater division noted, "Knowing that all my hard work paid off is really rewarding. I won the Merit Award last year, which was also extremely rewarding. This year I strived to win Finalist because the most important thing to me is improving my craft." Andrew Hicks shared, "It was an amazing moment for me when I got the news that I won Finalist. Watching my friends participate, and some win in the past, was very exciting. In their experience I saw that it is something very special to be a part of."