SILER CITY, N.C. — Seven students have been named JMArts Scholars by the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, each receiving a full scholarship to attend a university fine arts workshop this summer.
They are Corrine Collison, David Gonzalez Hernandez, Aaron Partin, Jennifer Trejo Benitez, Jackie Vasquez, Samantha Zarate and Jose Zendejas.
Scholarships are funded through individual contributions to the foundation and income generated from ticket sales for the annual fall musical, fundraising projects and admission from a few major concerts during the academic year.
“We had a really great group of applicants this year,” said JMArts president Rose Pate. “The chance to live the life of a college music or art major for a week can make a big impact on their decision whether to pursue the field.”
Three musicians will study vocal music. Collison and Zarate will attend the ECU Summer Choir Camp in Greenville, while Trejo will study at the UNC Music Workshop in Chapel Hill. “Corrine and Samantha are both true leaders in our music and theatre program, and Jennifer has shown a lot of promise as she’s become involved,” said Pate. “I'm excited to see all these vocalists build on their skills this summer."
ECU Summer Band Camp in Greenville will host three other musicians. Gonzalez on clarinet and Partin on trombone will participate in the concert track, while Zendejas on trumpet will study jazz. "For each of these students, this will be their first time time to attend a residential music workshop," said Pate. "I know they will come back ready to be leaders in our program."
Vasquez, a vocalist and visual artist, will pursue visual art at the UNCG Summer Arts and Design Intensive in Greensboro. “Jackie is a talented singer, but she's also interested in art," said Pate. "I think it's great she'll have the chance to develop her skills in that area."
Since creating the awards six years ago, JMArts has presented 54 scholarships to 36 students, with some receiving awards to study for more than one summer. The initiative was designed to help young artists develop their talent, explore artistic options before making their college decisions and bring what they learn back to share with other Jordan-Matthews students.
Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to the JMArts Scholars program or other foundation projects may contact Pate at 919-742-2916 or rpate@chatham.k12.nc.us. Checks can be mailed to JMArts, PO Box 395, Siler City, NC, 27344.
More information about JMArts, including details about JMArts Scholars and upcoming events, is available at jmarts.org.
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