MUSICIANS JANEY KATZ - Zia Publishing

Photo©Beverly Barrettkid smakingitBIGSeven Success Stories:Hometown Young People in the ArtsWRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAUNo one can say it’s been easy, and none of the Grant County young people we’ve profiledon the following pages got a free ride to where they are today. Nor have they reached theends of their journeys. They continue practicing, working and creating, seeking to improvetheir abilities and understandings of their chosen fields. Their futures are promising simplybecause each has created his or her own destiny.While the emotional support of family and friends is important, it is often no match forthe derision, ennui or envy of an increasingly competitive and cynical world. It’s muchtop row,from left:Aria ArastehAlaina DunivanLeanna MartinezColby Beserrabottom row,from left:Rebekah OrmandChris ConnerRosaruby Glabermaneasier to abandon an aspiration and speak wistfully of what might have been than to continue pursuing themuse wherever she leads. Perhaps the most notable thing about these seven is that they dared to dream earlyin life of achieving success in the visual or performing arts, and never lost their courage or commitment.All of our local young people are important to us, and we believe that they have futures just as bright aseach is willing to strive for. We hope that these stories might help encourage them to reach for the stars.28 – SILVER CITY LIFE