Jessica Latrice Rhodes, an African American 8th Grader from Oviedo, Fla., and daughter of Christopher and Gina Rhodes, recently earned a $13,000 scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. Interlochen Arts Academy is an independent coeducational college preparatory boarding school and premier arts academy. Interlochen’s 1,200 acre campus hosts students from 47 states and 22 countries. Thousands of students compete every year for a coveted slot at the academy. Jessica was selected for the 9th grade 2004-05 class with a major in Theater Arts.

Jessica is the only girl among four brothers and presently attends Lawton Chiles Middle School in Oviedo, Florida. Although diagnosed with a learning disability she has pushed herself and succeeded in taking the most demanding courses offered to her at her school including Honors Algebra, Advanced Science, Advanced History, Advanced Language Arts and Spanish for High School Credit.

Jessica also has strong theatrical and performing arts abilities. She has performed in numerous theatrical productions with the Orlando Repertory Theater ( Formerly Civic Theaters of Central Florida) for the past five years under the direction of Jeff Revels. Jessica is also a member of the Chiles Middle School advanced chorus under the training of Ms. Laura Molley ( performing songs in Latin, French and Italian) and has taken courses in gymnastics and dance. Moreover, Jessica has modeled (printwork) for the past five years with Azuree Talent Agency in Winter Park, Florida.

"Jessica has always been an energetic performer," her parents stated, "Her gift is definitely in her mouth. Being a minority throughout her educational experience has never dampened her enthusiasm for pursuing her dreams. We are so proud of her."

Jessica’s brother, Christopher Jr., preceded her with a $28,000 scholarship to attend Concord Academy, a college preparatory program in Concord, Massachusetts last year. Jessica says, the biggest thing that she will need to adjust to is the cold weather. She states, my heart will always be back in the sunny state of Florida. She said that she will miss her friends and wonderful teachers at Lawton Chiles Middle School who inspired her to become more self-disciplined and tenacious about learning.

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