VSA arts of Florida Young Soloist
Performs during Arts Day

Ashley Townsend, 2007 VSA arts of Florida Young Soloist Finalist, performed for legislators and arts advocates in Tallahassee during Arts Day activities on April 2nd.

Ashley is a 16 year old honor roll student in her junior year at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida.  At age two she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a chronic degenerative eye disease, and has been legally blind all of her life. Since 2001, Ashley has performed in VSA arts of Florida/Volusia’s Annual Talent Nights and various local special events through VSA arts including Florida SpecialOlympics, the cities of Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach Shores, the Daytona Beach Bandshell, the DeBary Youth Celebration of the Arts, and Easter Seals.  In 2004, she was named VSA arts of Florida’s Exemplary Participant.

Ashley writes, “My career goal is be a vocal major at a university or conservatory for the arts and to become a professional singer/actress.  My experience with VSA arts has taught me the importance of being gracious and appreciative of everything I have.  VSA arts has given me the faith and determination to fight for my success and to pursue all of my dreams.  Ultimately, I have learned that if I am strong, there are no boundaries that cannot be broken.“

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