Olufunmilayo Sofola of Carnation has been named a 2018 YoungArts finalist in tap dance, by the National YoungArts Foundation.

She will now compete in the 35th annual National YoungArts Week, Jan. 7 to 14, in Miami. During this free, week-long intensive training, participants will take master classes and workshops with internationally recognized leaders in their fields.

Sofola was selected from the most competitive pool of applicants to date, numbering almost 8,000. The 2018 winners represent the top 10 percent of applicants.

Of this year’s 757 winners, 171 received the highest honor of being named finalists. Another 270 received honorable mentions and 340 were merit winners.

Sofola has also been invited to participate in the YoungArts 2018 regional program, in Los Angeles.

For more information, visit www.youngarts.org, or find the organization on Facebook or Twitter.