Fox Valley Beaux Arts announces annual scholarship winners

Fox Valley Beaux Arts, a nonprofit women's club founded in 1984 to foster and support the arts, recently presented 14 Elgin area students with college scholarships valuing a total of $21,500.

"Our club's mission is to offer scholarships to Elgin area high school seniors going on to major or minor in the arts in higher education," said Susan Pepa, club president. "In spite of another challenging year with the pandemic, we are proud to have the opportunity this year to continue our tradition and award these amazing creative students."

The 10 first-tier scholarship recipients all intend to pursue the arts in their areas of talent and interest this fall. The students are:

• Ava Barclay, Bartlett High School in Bartlett (drawing, Savannah School of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia);

• Priya Boldt, Westminster Christian Academy in Elgin (drama/vocal, Taylor University in Upland, Indiana);

• Ariana Mattos Cruz, Larkin High School in Elgin (violin, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia);

• Anastasia Ehlers, Bartlett High School in Bartlett (drawing, Northern Illinois University in DeKalb);

• Nate Garcia, Bartlett High School in Bartlett (drawing, College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn);

• Jonathon Hirtzig, Larkin High School in Elgin (piano, Elgin Community College in Elgin);

• Kaylin Kenders, Westminster Christian Academy in Elgin (drama, Biola University in La Mirada, California);

• Lupita Platas Madera, Bartlett High School in Bartlett (drawing, Northern Illinois University);

• Gabrielle May, St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin (drawing/painting, Elgin Community College);

• Jacob Pangilinan, South Elgin High School in South Elgin (drama/vocal, Millikin University in Decatur).

"Major support for our scholarship donations is raised through our popular annual luncheon event," said Loretta Heuer, vice president. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the last two years' luncheons were canceled."

"We are pleased to say that there will be a luncheon with entertainment this year on Sept. 17 at the Elgin Country Club," Pepa said.

For more information about this event, please contact Rose Engle at roseengle@hotmail.com or (224) 623-2418.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts members consist of a wide range of women who are engaged or support the arts and who reside throughout the Fox Valley area. Members of the club's board of directors include: Susan Pepa, president; Loretta Heuer, vice president; Florence Ostdick, secretary; Mary McCarthy, treasurer; Marge Haefliger and Chris Womac, programs; Rose Engle and Barb McGee, scholarships; Cheryl Hallquist and Kathleen Mink, membership; and Loretta Heuer, publicity.

For more information about Fox Valley Beaux Arts, contact Susan Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.