Larkin graduate is Arts in Bartlett scholarship winner

Congratulations to Elyssa Smith of Bartlett, selected as the 2015 Arts in Bartlett Scholarship winner, who received $500.

Elyssa graduated from Larkin High School in the top 2 percent of her class. She is a clarinetist and pianist, and plans to study music education at the University of North Texas. Elyssa has a career goal to be a band director.

"I want to share my passion for music and inspire future students like my band director did for me," said Smith.

Smith was involved with the Tri-M Music Honor Society, marching band, wind ensemble, concert band, jazz band, pit orchestra and Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. She has worked at the Bartlett Aquatic Center, Bartlett Little League and has taught clarinet lessons. She received awards with Illinois Music Educators Association, as an All-State Honors Band selectee; was an ILMEA District Music Festival and Fox Valley Music Festival participant; received Division 1 ranking at IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest; and was the winner of Larkin High School's Concerto Competition.

"The arts have greatly influenced my life. If I would not have joined band in fifth grade, I believe I would not be the responsible and reliable student that I am now," Smith said. "Also, I would not be at Larkin High School in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy being given many performance opportunities. The arts have introduced me to my high school band director, Mr. Dobbeck, and he has inspired me to pursue music education."

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