Siler City, NC – Twelve students have been named 2024 JMArts Scholars by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, all receiving scholarships to pursue intensive fine arts study this summer.
They are Felix Banks, Abigail Cockrum, Delaney Fuquay, Tavvy Gray, Carolyn Lucero Santiago, Natalie Morales Zagada, Eleanor Reece, Ayden Saxe, David Ta’Bon, Jonathan Vasquez, Maxy Vasquez and Samantha Wieber.
JMArts Scholars preparing for study this summer are (back row from left) Natalie Morales Zagada, Tavvy Gray, Felix Banks, Samantha Wieber, Delaney Fuquay, Eleanor Reece and David Ta’Bon, (middle row) Abigail Cockrum, Carolyn Lucero Santiago, Maxy Vasquez and Jonathan Vasquez and (front) Ayden Saxe. (Photo by Chip Pate)
Scholarships are funded each year primarily through individual contributions to the foundation and donations received at concerts and other events. Most scholars choose to attend weeklong, residential workshops offered on university campuses.
This year, three students studying vocal music — Banks, Gray and Morales Zagada — have been named JMArts-Fearrington Village Singers Scholars thanks to a generous contribution from the community chorus composed of residents of Fearrington Village, Galloway Ridge and surrounding areas.
One other student, Lucero Santiago, has been named a JMArts-Mike Williams Scholar thanks to a generous contribution from the Jordan-Matthews PTA in memory of the late Jordan-Matthews science teacher.
“We are able to offer these life-changing experiences because of the generous support of our members,” said JMArts President Rose Pate. “This project is at the heart of our mission to make the arts accessible to our students.”
Cockrum, Lucero Santiago, Saxe, Ta’Bon, Jonathan Vasquez and Maxy Vasquez will attend the UNCG Summer Music Camp in Band in Greensboro.
Banks, Fuquay, Gray, Morales Zagada and Reece will attend the UNCG Summer Music Camp in Chorus in Greensboro.
Wieber will attend the Dance Project Teen Technique Clinic in Greensboro.
Since creating the awards 12 years ago, JMArts has presented 101 scholarships to 70 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.
Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the JMArts Scholars program or other projects for high school artists may contact Pate at info@jmarts.org. Contributions can be made online by Venmo or PayPal and 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. Fearrington Village Singers maintain their website at fearringtonvillagesingers.org.