City of Raleigh Arts Commission Announces Artists of Tomorrow Scholarship Recipients
March 10, 2010 - Five WCPSS high school students have been awarded Artists of Tomorrow scholarships by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission.
The five students are
| Student | School |
Art |
Kayee Au |
Enloe High |
visual art |
Lauren Bullock |
Middle Creek High |
literary |
Emily Gardenhire |
Apex High |
theatre/musical theatre |
April Grossi |
Leesville Road High |
dance |
Lucas Morrow |
Southeast Raleigh High |
music |
The students were selected to receive one-time scholarships toward their full-time college studies in the fields of dance, theatre, music and the literary and visual arts.
Kayee Au’s painting, “The Colors of My Community” placed in the Sister Cities International Young Artist Showcase and was presented as a gift from the Town of Cary to Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of former President Eisenhower.
Lauren Bullock’s work earned her the title, “2009 Best Writer” at Middle Creek High School. Her artistry is coupled with a firm understanding of the technical aspects of language.
Emily Gardenhire has been dancing since the age of five and singing and acting since she was eight years old. She is described as a “budding triple threat” by Ray Walker, artistic director at the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory, where she has performed since 2000.
April Grossi is an aspiring dance choreographer who hopes to dissolve the line between dancers and their audiences through work that allows the audience to share in the connective experience. She choreographs for her high school dance group and as a student at the Governor’s School.
Lucas Morrow plays the trumpet and is first chair for his high-school marching and symphonic bands, lead trumpet for the school’s wind and jazz ensemble, and first trumpet for the Triangle Youth Philharmonic.
The Artist of Tomorrow program is fully funded through support and donations from corporations, individuals and local businesses, with 100 percent of contributions applied to the scholarships. Awarded funds will go directly to accredited post-secondary colleges and may be used to pay for student expenses such as tuition, fees, books, or room and board.
A committee comprised of community members and representatives from the City of Raleigh Arts Commission reviewed all applications submitted for Artist of Tomorrow scholarships prior to making final selections.
“This is going to be a great program for the future of our city,” said Arts Commission member Jim Baldwin, who is chair of the scholarship committee. “Artist of Tomorrow is providing the critical support needed to help young, local artists achieve a career in the arts.”
June Guralnick, executive director of the Arts Commission, said, “I am proud of the goal of our new Artist of Tomorrow program which is to ‘inspire a new generation of artists.’ ”
Serving as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives, the Arts Commission’s myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.
 Kayee Au |
 Lauren Bullock |
 Emily Gardenhire |
 April Grossi |
 Lucas Morrow |
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