Lucy Dick, Class of 2025 visual arts student of the Mississippi School of the Arts
Lucy Dick, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brandt Dick of Greenville, Mississippi, has been named Valedictorian of the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA), an accomplishment that crowns a remarkable high school journey marked by talent, perseverance, and academic excellence.
Adopted from China as a toddler and legally blind due to albinism, Lucy has never let her visual impairment limit her vision for success. At MSA, she studied visual arts and earned Scholastic Art Awards in both her junior and senior years, all while maintaining academic distinction.
Lucy was also a member of MSA’s Collegiate Academy program, through which she earned an Associate Degree from Copiah-Lincoln Community College on May 13. Just ten days later, she received her high school diploma from MSA, celebrating two major milestones at the age of 18. She also holds a 30 on her ACT and received close to $900,000.00 in college scholarship offers.
“Lucy has been a true inspiration to everyone at MSA,” school staff shared. “She’s a gifted visual artist, but what’s most remarkable is how she’s never let her challenges stand in the way of her dreams.”
Her mother, Erica Dick, reflected on Lucy’s journey from China to Mississippi, recalling the initial fears surrounding her adoption and future. “We didn’t yet know how her visual impairments due to albinism would affect her daily life,” she said. “But sending Lucy to MSA turned out to be the best decision we ever made. She’s now graduating as a confident young woman who embraces every challenge with determination and grace.”
MSA Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Hirsch echoed that sentiment. “From the moment I met Lucy, I admired her resilience. She’s fiercely independent, kind, funny, and determined. If you ever need inspiration, just go talk to her.”
As she closes this chapter, Lucy leaves behind a legacy of strength, creativity, and courage. Wherever her next steps take her, one thing is clear—she’s just getting started.
Watch and listen to Lucy’s Valedictorian speech at Commencement 2025