Five deserving Grade 12 students are receiving a significant boost to their education come graduation, as they will each be receiving a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council.
The scholarships are applicable to any accredited post-secondary institution to support their continued education. The students are selected based on a combination of their technical skill, level of presentation, a demonstration of artistic impression, grades relating to the arts, personal resume, and their post-secondary plan.
“It is such an honour to receive this prestigious scholarship,” said Nicholas Renaud, a music student at Maple Ridge secondary and one of the scholarship recipients.
“An affirmation that I have my community behind me as I enter my post-secondary studies in music is a true confidence boost and extremely gratifying. I hope to one day give back to my community in my capacity as a music teacher and this scholarship will help me realize this goal. Thank you.”
The scholarship has been offered to students in the district for many years, and has provided more than $50,000 since 2005.
“It is an inspiration to see the next generation of artists pursuing a career in their chosen art. The depth of talent in the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge arts community is astounding,” said Korleen Carreras, the scholarship chair.
“I am honoured that we are able to present these scholarships each year as we continue to nourish and encourage our young artists.”
The scholarships are awarded in the categories of music, dance, drama/technical theatre, visual arts and media arts, and literary arts.
Award recipients: Nicholas Renaud, Maple Ridge secondary, music; Jackie Her, Thomas Haney secondary, visual/media arts; Rachel Weir, Pitt Meadows secondary, literary arts; Kimberly Dyer, Meadowridge School, dance; and Adrianna Marchand, Meadowridge, drama/technical theatre.