Why should I join JSA?

“It has been an honor getting to be a part of JSA these past few years and getting to learn from you and the rest of the wonderful JSA staff. This essay still doesn't adequately express how much joy this program has brought me. Thank you for all of the hard work that you put into JSA. I know I speak for the rest of the students when I say that this program has been life changing.

At the end of my eighth grade year, I was faced with an important decision: should I apply to my high school’s arts academy, the Jackson School for the Arts? I had always loved performing; I was a member in my middle school chamber ensemble, three middle school musicals, and even participated in a few community theater productions. However, I was plagued with one worry: would I fall behind academically? My studies were important to me; I wanted to take on a rigorous course load and graduate at the top of my high school class. What would happen if the Jackson School for the Arts and my music courses stood in the way of that goal? I thought it over and decided that the arts were too important for me to abandon. I sent in an application and was accepted into the program my freshman year of high school. Looking back, sending in that application was a catalyst for four years of beautiful music, wonderful memories, and rigorous (but fulfilling) study.”

Grace

National Merit Scholar 2021