Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:46:06 -0400
From: “William \”Chip\” Pate”
Subject: Local students named JMArts Summer Scholars
Eight local students named JMArts Summer Scholars
SILER CITY, N.C. — “What are you doing this summer?” For eight Jordan-Matthews High School students, the answer to that common question will probably begin with, “I’m going to camp!”
Jasmine Brower, Karmen Brown, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Cheek, Corrine Collison, Alyssa Gaines, Makani McKenzie, Michael Vasquez and Konner Williams have been named Summer Scholars by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, each receiving a scholarship to attend a summer fine arts camp at an area college or university.
“I can’t believe it’s been five years since our first Summer Scholarships,” said JMArts president Rose Pate. “Because of the generosity of our donors, we are thrilled to continue to provide this opportunity for the JM family.”
Two of the scholarships will go to rising seniors, vocalists Jasmine Brower and Lizzy Cheek. “Jasmine and Lizzy will be attending the ECU Summer Vocal Music Intensive,” said Pate. “Both of these young women have worked hard and shown serious commitment to the arts program at JM for three years.”
They will be joined at the ECU camp by rising juniors Alyssa Gaines and Konner Williams. “Konner and Alyssa are both talented performers,” said Pate. “We look forward to hearing them this fall, ready to take on leadership positions in our programs as upperclassmen.”
Corinne Collison, a rising freshman, will attend the UNCG Summer Music Camp.. “Corinne is young but full of enthusiasm,” said Pate. “I’m confident she’ll learn a great deal about performance and musicianship at the UNCG camp.”
Makani McKenzie, who’s been a part of both the vocal and instrumental programs at Jordan-Matthews during her freshman year, will attend the UNC School of the Arts SummerVoice. “Makani is a talented performer who hopes to prepare for a career in the arts,” said Pate. “Her time this summer at the UNC School of the Arts will be an important part of that preparation.”
Visual artists Karmen Brown and Michael Vasquez will attend the UNCG Summer Arts and Design Camp. “Karmen and Michael are rising juniors,” said Pate. “Both of them are eager for the intensive art study they will have at UNCG, and I can’t wait to see the work they produce!”
Since being launched, the JMArts Summer Scholar program has awarded 35 scholarships to 25 students, with some receiving awards to study over more than one summer. It was designed to help young artists develop their talent, explore artistic options before making college decisions and bring what they learn back to share with other Jordan-Matthews students.
Pate says the foundation couldn’t be happier with the students’ success. “Summer Scholars has become a cornerstone in the continued development of arts education at Jordan-Matthews.” said Pate. “These scholarships give students a taste of what it’s like to study the arts in a college environment and help them develop skills that enrich everyone’s experience back at JM.”
For more information about JMArts, including details about the camps students will attend, visit jmarts.org.