Hey Everyone! My name is Nyla Marie Mickel and I’m in the 10th grade at Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  I love to write poems and stories, sing, and I occasionally draw, but I’d have to say my favorite thing to do is act! I’ve been acting ever since I was very young. I’ve performed in Musicals like Mary Poppins and High School Musical, and acted in plays like The Magic Flute and Show Boat at the Kennedy Center. I performed in my first play when I was six years old, and I absolutely loved it! It’s always felt like a dream to me to be on stage and have a completely new identity. One of the many reasons I act is because it’s a positive and effective way for me to express myself. I plan on acting full time when I get older, and that’s why I decided to attend Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Ellington’s Theatre Department is helping me and so many other students grow and perfect our acting skills. Each year our department raises money so we can have special guest visit and professional equipment for our productions. Every penny counts and we’re very thankful for all donations. YOUR DONATION IS COMPLETELY TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!!