Houston, TX
Jessica Stevens figured out early on exactly what she wants to do in life. From being immersed in theatre at an early age, Jessica discovered that theatre allows audiences to not only explore who they are in relation to those around them, but also to discover a new community outside their own. Jessica’s father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994, the same time she became involved in the theatre community. Before he was diagnosed, Jessica and her father enjoyed riding bikes together and she would cheer him on as he ran races. Since his diagnosis, their bond shifted from cycling and running to enjoying theatre together. He has been there for every show from her first performance in Magic Carpet in Aladdin in the 6th grade to her first lighting designer position in high school. Seeing her father’s enjoyment while watching performances reminds Jessica why she wants to pursue a career in theatre. The National MS Society scholarship will provide Jessica the support to continue creating masterpieces and living her dream.