The Howard E. Rollins Foundation awards scholarships in the performing or film media arts to aspiring inner city, minority, and disadvantaged youth. Below is a letter from scholarship recipient Jacqueline L. Smith.

My name is Jacqueline L. Smith, known as "Jackie". I am a 15-year-old sophomore attending Baltimore City College School. I have an A-average and I participate in various activities, such as singing on my school choir and being an active member of NIAstar. NIAstar is a group for young women, school age grade 10 to college, to get together and encourage one another.

I dedicate most of my time to school, choir, and church. However, I always make sure I have room in my schedule for spending time with friends, family and pets. My hobbies are martial arts, drawing, and of course singing. My interests are baking, fashion design and acting.

I have attended the Young Filmmakers' Workshop for 2 years. This program just keeps getting better and better. I have learned the basis of being on set, getting to know my character and being able to connect with other actors and actresses around me. If I were to ever consider acting as my future career, I would have this program to thank, along with the wonderful staff for teaching me and showing me how to be the best I can be as a young actress. I recommend this workshop to all young inspiring actors/actress along with the producers, directors, and editors.

I would like to thank the Howard E. Rollins Foundatation for presenting me such a protégées award. I am honored and I will remember this for the rest of my life.

In addition, yes, I do plan to attend this program again in the near future.

Jacqueline L. Smith
"Jackie"