2011 - Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

John Kim (Hattiesburg) John believes that “art
is what makes us distinctly human.” He is most
influenced by Albert Camus and plans to become a
pediatrician.
George Liao (Starkville) George defines himself by
Yoda’s admonition, “Do or do not, there is not try.”
He would liked to have lived during the seventeenth
century, and his hero is Iron Man “because he has an
awesome suit.”
Emerald Litke (Ocean Springs) Emerald thinks art
“is a wonderful outlet and a beautiful way to express
words and thoughts.” She loves pianos because they
are beautiful and she “could sit and listen to them
forever.”
Sarah Long (Picayune) Sarah plans to be a psychologist
or an editor, and appreciates the role of art in her
life, saying, “God has gifted me with abilities that
allow me to be myself on paper as well as in person.
Amber McFarland (Mayersville) Amber lives her life
by her saying “Fight on!” She would have enjoyed
living during the seventies, because it is the decade
of soul music, and is most influenced by Dr. Seuss.
Destin McMurry (Fulton) Destin is most influenced
by the musical artist Dewayne Carter, III. She would
one day like to meet Demetri Martin, and attend
college, go into advertising, and travel the world.
Dailey Nettles (Columbus) Dailey’s hero is Michiaki
Takahashi for creating the chicken pox vaccine.
If she could meet anyone she would meet Nelson
Mandela and is most influenced by Aaron Weiss.
Marie Polk (Meridian) Marie lives her life by the
saying “Never give up!” She associates with the color
yellow, because it is such “a happy color.”
Claire Ratliff (Hattiesburg) Claire defines herself
through Shakespeare’s quotation, “Commit the
oldest sins the newest kind of old ways.” She is most
influenced by her sister Caroline Ratliff, who is also
an artist, and wishes she had the chance to live in the
sixties.
Kaitlan Rester (Columbus) Kaitlan’s hero is her older
brother, Joshua Rester, because he has always been
there for her. Her goal is to “have a lifestyle that will
bless others,” and thinks “artwork shows the inner
beauty of one’s soul.”
Joshua Stone (Starkville) Joshua’s most influential
artist is Andrew Lark, his art teacher from Starkville
High School. He believes “creativity is necessary in
moving the world forward.” He plans to attend the
University of Pennsylvania.
Kate Thompson (Picayune) Kate’s writing is most
influenced by her “weirdo family.” If she were an
instrument, she would most like to be a piccolo
because “they are tiny, but can still make noise.” She
plans to dye her hair red before she dies.
Charlotte Wang (Starkville) Charlotte believes “writing
is a form of expression, a creative way to share
your unique view of the world with others.” She says
she would have enjoyed living in the sixties, and is
most influenced by Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged.
Henry Wang (Hattiesburg) Henry associates with
blue the most of all the colors. He plans to go to
college, invent something, make money, and live in a
flying castle.
Amy Wilcosky (Seminary) Amy lives by Belgicia
Howell’s recommendation, “Never explain yourself.
Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t
believe it.” She plans to study medicine.
Aaron Williamson (Water Valley) Aaron adores and
admires Lady GaGa; she is his “biggest inspiration,
and she is undoubtedly amazing.” He thinks a person
must honor and respect his own creativity and never
be afraid to embrace it.
Emily Wilson (Horn Lake) If she could, Emily would
enjoy living in the 1850’s and one day meeting Albus
Dumbledore. She admires the power and strength of
Elizabeth I and plans to study veterinary sciences at
Cornell University.
Angela Wu (Clarksdale) Angela plans to study
dentistry, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese and
become an orthodontist. She admires the works of
Eudora Welty and Pearl S. Buck.
Michelle Zeng (Greenville) If Michelle could meet
anyone, she would choose George Washington,
Napoleon Bonaparte, and Lord Byron. She lives her
life through Winston Churchill’s quote, “If you’re
going through hell, keep going.”