Eliza Palasz, a senior at Ballard High School, has been chosen as a YoungArts finalist in Musical and Spoken Theatre.

Only 150 students out of more than 5,000 applicants in the visual, literary and performing arts were chosen as finalists. These young artists received a scholarship to attend National YoungArts Week in Miami January 10-15, 2011 where students will be attending master classes taught by world-renowned artists; performances and exhibitions.

YoungArts is the only organization in the nation to recognize students in the nine discipline categories of cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing.

“I’m really excited,” said Palasz who sang “Say the Word” by Kerrigan-Lowdermilk in her audition tape.

Palasz said she is a big fan of contemporary musical theatre and names Spring Awakening and Next to Normal as her two favorite musicals.

The finalist also have the chance to be named the Gold or Silver winner, which includes a travel to New York and an additional week of workshops, performances and exhibitions. The grand prize is the possibility to become a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and visit the White House and perform at the Kennedy Center.

“I’ve worked really hard so I hope they’ll notice that,” Palasz said.

“We had to send in our transcripts along with the audition tape and I’ve got pretty strong grades so I’m hoping that will give me an edge.”

Palasz said she plans to continue musical theatre in college and is applying to Northwestern University, Brown and Yale.