Female+Strong+Academically+and+Artistic

===Xiong is a twelve-year-old seventh grader. A straight A student who is very involved in both performing and studio arts, Xiong was recently chosen as "Star of the Month" for winning a local art competition. All of Xiong’s teachers say that she is a pleasure to have in class because of her insights and creative approach to learning. For the past several years, Xiong has participated in several summer enrichment programs for the arts. This summer she was one of a 25 students selected to participate in a summer program to study painting and creative writing. This three-week residential program with professional artists is located 100 miles from her home.===