The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach proudly recognizes six outstanding high school seniors, who were awarded scholarships totaling $120,000 earlier this year, as they embark on their freshman year of college. These scholarships, awarded during a special convocation in June, provide up to $20,000 over four years, including an initial $5,000 for the 2024/2025 academic year. As these talented young artists begin their college journeys, the Festival of Arts celebrates their achievements and looks forward to supporting their continued growth in the arts.
The Festival of Arts congratulates the 2024 scholarship winners: Arend Hekma (Instrumental), Elijah James Furar (Composition), Luxy Bynum (Film), Jackson Hughes (Visual Arts), Sienna Riley McCarthy (Dance), and Hannah Kathryn Tyus (Visual Arts). These renewable scholarships are awarded annually, up to four years, as long as recipients meet eligibility requirements, allowing them to maximize the $20,000 award.
“To me, being awarded the performing arts scholarship shows that all the time and effort I have put into practicing my instrument has been effective in becoming a better musician,” said Arend Hekma, 2024 Festival of Arts scholarship recipient. “Being awarded this scholarship not only greatly aids me in paying tuition, but also gives me more confidence and validation as a musician as I transition into university.”
Hekma adds, “I remember looking anxiously at the announcement order of scholarships the entire night of the distribution, and when my name was called, it felt unreal to be walking up to claim it. That moment was also special because I was able to share it with my good friend and bandmate, Eli Furar, who had applied and won the scholarship for music composition.”
Fellow bandmate and scholarship recipient Elijah James Furar shared a similar sentiment, stating, “At college, I plan to dive deep into the intricacies of the music industry by majoring in music business. Creating music is my passion, and I’m eager to explore various paths within the industry, whether as an artist, music supervisor, record producer, or songwriter. The support from the Festival of Arts scholarship will be instrumental in helping me advance my education and pursue my dream of building a successful career in the music industry.”
Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported the growth of young artists, making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. The highly competitive scholarships are awarded in four categories: Film, Performing Arts (dance, music, and theater arts), Visual Arts, and Writing. Students may apply for multiple categories but will only be awarded one scholarship. The Festival of Arts Scholarship Committee is chaired by Pat Kollenda, with members Wayne Baglin, John Connolly, Jacquie Moffett, and Jeff Rovner.
“We are thrilled to support these talented young artists as they embark on their college careers,” said Pat Kollenda, Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair. “The passion, creativity, and dedication shown by all applicants was truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these students will continue to shape the future of the arts.”
Applications for the 2025 scholarships will open in early March for all high school seniors residing in Laguna Beach. For more details, visit the Festival’s website at FestivalofArts.org, contact Stephanie Plageman at (949) 464-4201, or email [email protected].