The student: Kumudha Kumarachandran, 15

School: Centennial High

Special achievement: A winner in the "Maryland You Want" art contest sponsored by the Governor's Office of Smart Growth. Winning artwork was displayed on the Freedom Wall at the Maryland State House, and winners received a governor's citation. Kumudha has also won awards in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving 2002 poster contest and the Maryland Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest.

How would she describe her "Maryland You Want" poster? "I drew a picture of Centennial Park because the theme was your version of a perfect Maryland. I picked Centennial Park because that's where I've grown up. I always go there for sanctuary."

What she likes about art: "I like how you can create things that aren't there. I'm really into surrealism, having these imaginary worlds that don't really exist." She loves art by surrealist Salvador Dali. "You can portray something the way you see it, rather than the way it really is."

Other interests: She is a Girl Scout and plays guitar. "That's also a good way to express myself."