LA JOYA — Juarez-Lincoln High School Senior Hanss Mujica was selected as a 2012 Young Arts National Finalist. More than 5,000 seniors from across the country apply annually to the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, or Young Arts Foundation.·

Students who participated in fine arts may send a video recording showcasing their talent for the chance to be recognized nationally through a series of conferences. Only three percent of these participants are selected to attend a conference in Miami for one week in January.

Mujica is one of the principal dancers for Grupo Folklorico Sol Azteca, under the direction of Daisy Garza-Cantu at Juarez-Lincoln High School. He is also been a member of the JLHS Dance Academy for the past three years. Mujica has been in the La Joya Independent School District dance program since middle school, and he acknowledged that without the training of his dance teachers he would have not achieved such a prestigious level.

“I never imagined to be awarded with such a prestigious honor. My brother has recently passed away, so this amazing news could not have come at a better time for my family and I,” he said. “Being handed this opportunity has brought some light to my family.· None of this would have been possible without the support of my director Ms. Daisy, who encourages us daily, and for the support of the over talented members of Grupo Folklorico Sol Azteca. I dedicate this honor to them, my family and my brother, who I know, is watching over me.”

Mujica auditioned in the category of World Dance with Mexican Folk. His selection was from the state of Veracruz, a song titled “La Iguana.”

“I picked Veracruz because the ‘sones’ of Veracruz are famous for their cheerful liveliness and it’s complicated ‘Zapateado,’ footwork,” said Mujica.

Now, Mujica will travel to the “Young Arts Week” in Miami, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience where he will feed off the creative energy of the finest dancers in the country and learn from master teachers in the dance discipline. The auditions and interviews that he will participate in during Young Arts Week will determine the final award level, which ranges from $1,000-$10,000. He also has the opportunity for a potential nomination to the U. S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, who is awarded to 20 of the 150 finalists. This award is presented at the White House in Washington, D.C.