2005 Young Soloist Patrick Henry Hughes is featured in People

May 23, 2005

Article: “Blind Pianist Hits High Note -- Sightless since birth, Patrick Hughes, 17, finds happiness -- and acclaim -- seated at a baby grand,” page153.

Issue date: May 23, 2005

Highlights:

“I actually love the life I’m living,” says Hughes. “If I have a sad moment, I go to the piano and get happy again,” said Patrick Hughes.

“I’m blind and I can’t walk, but I don’t let it stop me.”

Quotes from People Magazine, May 23, 2005, page 153.

About Patrick Hughes:

Patrick Henry Hughes, a pianist and vocalist, is a recipient of the 2005 VSA arts Panasonic Young Soloists Award who performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on May 16, 2005.

He is well known to his VSA arts local affiliate, having been named the recipient of the VSA Artsof Kentucky Young Soloists Award since 2001. Patrick is a junior at Atherton High School where he participates in the International Baccalaureate program and has maintained a 3.99 grade point average for the past five years. He speaks fluent Spanish and is also a member of the National Honor Society. He is proud to have received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement from both President Clinton and President Bush. He has also appeared on national television. In addition to playing piano, Patrick participates in his school’s concert band (on trumpet), jazz band, and chorus (as a tenor) recently performing in Quito and Esmeraldes, Ecuador. He has been selected to perform in many All-State Band and Choral festivals and has received several distinguished awards for each. Patrick is blind and uses a wheelchair.