Showtime 2003 was winding to a close.  The final dance had occurred, the curtain call was over, the teachers had been introduced, and a number of individual recognitions had been awarded.  But everyone remained seated in anticipation of the big moment that was about to occur.

The next words from the mouth of Studio Director Chris Collins would cause an explosion of cheers.  "The 2003 Student of the Year is... Amanda Desper!"

And so continued the long-running tradition of recognizing the student who best exemplifies excellence in all facets of dance -- on the stage, in the classroom, in attitude, in dedication, and in the example she sets for other dancers.

Amanda Desper has danced for 13 years -- 12 of them at the Chris Collins Dance Studio and six of those years as a member of the Dance Company.  She attends TC Williams High School in Alexandria, where she maintains a rigorous academic schedule and is consistently named to the school Honor Roll.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

Upon graduation a year from now, Amanda plans to major in an academic field in college and will continue to pursue dance training.  Speaking to the value of her dance training and looking to the future, Amanda commented, "I feel that my time as a student teacher will prepare me well for a possible career in teaching."

During her years at CCDS Amanda has won potential, effort, and attitude and dedication awards.  She and Stella Photiou collaborated on a duet this year that was recognized as runner up to high score for all duos 13 and over at the Accent on Youth dance competition.

Asked about her earliest dance memory, Amanda recounts the events of her first recital.  "My earliest dance memory was my first recital in a Minnie Mouse costume. I remember being so excited and comfortable on stage.  I remember waving to my parents and smiling and having a great time.  My mom says that's when she knew I was destined to be a dancer.  Of course, that's what mothers are supposed to say.  Being named Student of the Year is one of the greatest things to have happened to me. I have wanted to be Student of the Year ever since I was in that Mickey Mouse dance. I was on stage for curtain call and Chris was presenting the Student of the Year award.  He was talking about how she was so dedicated and hardworking and I was so sure it was going to be me.  I didn't understand that he would never give it to a five year old.  I was so upset when he announced someone else's name that I cried all the way home. So Student of the Year is something that I've worked towards for twelve years."

Chris shares the same memory and offers his own perspective on Amanda's progress from a preschooler to the dancer and person she is today.  "I am told that in Amanda's very first recital as a preschooler she went home very disappointed that one of the older girls was student of the year and not her...well...she made her own dream come true and earned the title Student of the year 2003 through much dedication to not only the art of dance, but to our dance studio as well as her fellow students and teachers. She is now an inspiration to the many new younger students. Amanda is a great student and should be very proud of all she has achieved through her own hard work and dedication."

Amanda also recognizes her responsibility as a positive role model for the younger students.  "I really take my role as a student teacher and role model seriously because I remember how much I looked up to the 'big girls' like Mandy Biles, Leslie Collins, Tiffany Talley, Kaleena diGirolamo, and Jill Swantner."

Indicative of the person she is, Amanda wanted to share her crowning moment with her studio friends and express her gratitude to them.  "I really appreciate all the support of my dance teachers and the dance company, my second family."