Hanna Burke of Friday Harbor, a student at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, Calif., is returning to the college conservatory for the performing arts to continue her studies.

She visited home for the summer and on Sept. 20 performed “A Bit of Broadway and All That Jazz” with Sonja Zarek at the San Juan Community Theatre.

She submitted this e-mailed letter to the community upon returning to school:

Well, I’m headed back to Hollywood to begin my second year as a musical theater major at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and I can’t help but think how lucky I am to live in such a loving and supporting community.

After my second musical theater solo performance on the island on Sept. 20, I was so overwhelmed with happiness toward all of the friends who had come for their first or second time to hear me perform and support me on this journey. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to perform and how much happier it makes me to perform for my friends on this island. There were so many incredibly inspirational words and encouragements; it reminded me why I love this so much.

I cannot thank you all enough, for every word of encouragement will help me reach my dream. Thank you!

Sincerely, Hanna Burke