SILER CITY, N.C. — Five students have been named JMArts Scholars by the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, recognizing their excellence and dedication to the arts.
They are Brady Andrew, Tiana Brooks, Laci Burt, Josselyn Gonzalez Hernandez and Andrea Santiago. Brooks is the 2020 JMArts-Rotary Scholar, receiving a scholarship provided by the Rotary Club of Siler City.
JMArts Scholars generally receive funding for intensive summer study at weeklong, residential workshops on university campuses. But because summer arts programs have been canceled statewide during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s honorees will receive a $100 award deposited in their Jordan-Matthews High School arts accounts, which can be used to purchase specialized arts supplies or attend arts performances during the academic year. Sophomores and freshmen returning to JM for the 2021-22 academic year will be guaranteed summer study next year.
Scholarships are funded through individual contributions to the foundation and from income generated by ticket sales for the annual fall musical, fundraising projects and admission from a few major concerts during the academic year.
“So many things have been disrupted for our students this spring that we wanted to give them this honor,” said JMArts President Rose Pate. “And we want to give them hope that learning about what they love will continue.”
The artists had applied for scholarships before summer workshops were canceled. Andrew was planning to attend the UNCG Summer Music Camp in Greensboro, Brooks had applied for the UNCG Summer Arts and Design Intensive, Burt was making her second trip to the UNC Music Workshop in Chapel Hill, Gonzalez Hernandez was planning to attend the NC State High School Music Technology Camp in Raleigh and Santiago was applying for the ECU Summer Band Camp in Greenville.
Since creating the awards eight years ago, JMArts has presented 67 scholarships to 44 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 projects for high school artists 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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