Palatine school creates first elementary arts scholarship

Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School in Palatine recently announced that it is establishing the Paddock Arts Legacy Scholarship.

This college scholarship will be for former Paddock students who are seniors in high school and who want to pursue the arts in college. This is the only elementary school scholarship in Illinois that is open to supporting all aspects of the arts - music, visual arts (film, animation, graphic design, etc.), drama, fashion design, sound engineering and more, said Andre Zielinski, art teacher at Paddock School.

"The arts have shown to be such a transformative force in our community by inspiring students to pursue their gifts and their passion in college and in the workforce," Zielinski said.

To launch this new scholarship, a fundraiser was held Friday, Nov. 13, at Durty Nellie's. The event included food, drinks, a silent auction and a Young Stars Showcase featuring several alumni from Paddock School. If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, visit www.paddockarts.com.

The amount and the number of scholarships will vary depending on the balance in the account. Applications for the first scholarships will be accepted in fall of 2016, with the first scholarships awarded in spring of 2017.

Applicants submit a portfolio or samples of work applicable to the field they will major in college. These would be judged by a panel. Applicants also would provide a letter of recommendation and be enrolled in a college.

For details, contact Andre Zielinski at zielinsa@ccsd15.net or (847) 963-5856.

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