A Springstead High School senior is one of two people representing the state of Florida in the VSA International Young Soloist competition.
- Springstead High School student representing FL in music competition
- Stephanie Slagle is in the running for international competition
- If she wins, you could perform at the Kennedy Center
If she’s chosen as one of the winners, she’ll have the chance to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Stephanie Slagle, 18, said music has always been an important part of her life starting when she played the piano as a little girl.
"Eventually that worked into me using that piano expertise for singing," Slagle said.
And she's been singing non stop ever since.
"It has a sense of freedom and self expression," she said.
Now that talent could take her all the way to the Kennedy Center. She is one of two winners of the VSA Florida competition and is now in the running for the international competition.
The Kennedy Center’s VSA organization was created to give arts educational opportunities for young musicians with disabilities.
Slagle has Asperger’s but has never let it stop her from following her passion.
It's not just her talent that's impressive, her choral director at school, Mark Pennington, said her passion for the arts shines through everything she does.
"Some kids aren't always on they aren't always focused and engaged," Pennington said. "She always is. She always wants to do the right thing and always looking around trying to help others do the right thing too.”
"I think being blessed with a passion and talent for music kind of helps you to not only grow better in other subjects but also kind of help be a leader I mean it takes a great music leader to make a great music leader," Slagle said.
Slagle should hear if she has been chosen as a winner in the international competition soon. The Kennedy Center performance would be in May.
As a VSA Florida winner, Slagle will be performing with the Florida Orchestra in October.