Each year, the National YoungArts’ Foundation holds a competition known as the YoungArts’ National Competition, where students ages 15 to 18 years old submit performances and artwork for a chance to win awards and experiences with professionals in their selected fields. Yemie Woo, a Pascack Hills senior, won an Honorable Mention award in the Voice/Popular category, beating out thousands of applicants. 

“I was one of 686 winners in the nation, from over 7,000 applicants. I was shocked that I won because of how large the application size was,” spoke Woo.

Yemie has held prominent roles in Pascack Hills’ theatre programs since joining her freshman year in performances such as Bonnie and Clyde, Godspell, and Rent. She is also a member of Chamber Choir and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. In the future, Woo wishes to pursue a career in musical theatre/vocal performance.

“Music has always been a constant in my life. My dad plays the guitar, mom piano, and sisters the violin. I’ve always loved to sing. I discovered theatre when I was in the fifth grade and have been loving it ever since,” Woo added.

There are three degrees of awards: merit, honorable mention, and finalist (reserved for seniors in high school). According to the NAYF, winners consist of the top ten percent of all applicants. Winners are eligible for certain scholarships and also receive access to selective programs. 

aDVERTISE HERE

Applicants can choose among 10 disciplines: Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice, and Writing. In Yemie’s case, the application was due Oct. 15; she was required to submit four songs in contrasting styles and timelines for her category: popular voice.

Yemie’s friend expressed her happiness towards Yemie winning. She said, “I’ve known from the minute I met Yemie freshman year that her talent was unlike any other I’ve seen. Her dedication and humility partnered with her singing abilities make her the perfect recipient for this award. No one is more deserving than her!”