Carroll High School Student Credits Unity Performing Arts Foundation (UPAF) and Voices of Unity Youth Choir for Improvements in Her Confidence, Leadership and Academic Performance.

Stacia Lewis is now a 16-year-old sophomore at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When she joined the Voices of Unity Youth Choir almost three years ago, she was struggling with self-image issues and she was not reaching her full academic potential. Stacia recalls, "I had a low self-esteem, and I had a hard time interacting with other people my age. Mr. White noticed what he called 'leadership potential' in me, and pushed me to develop that potential."

This poised young lady notes a new ability to connect with others and create close friendships with the other members of the choir. She now serves as the first Voices of Unity Youth Council President, a position to which she was elected by her peers. Her grades in school have steadily improved, she regularly enrolls in advanced placement courses and has a plan to pursue a career in family medicine.

Stacia sings in the alto section of the choir, leads rehearsals, plans and organizes choir member activities, and makes appearances as a student liason for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Many adults who have witnessed Stacia representing the choir often marvel at the confidence, intelligence and leadership skills that she now projects.

For additional information concerning individuals featured in the Dreams of Gold Highlight Zone, please contact Leigh Roberson, Public Relations Committee Chair – Choir Olympics Task Force, via e-mail at lroberson246@msn.com.