National YoungArts Foundation Announces Winners
National YoungArts Foundation Announces Winners
Students Invited As Finalists To Miami
pictured L-R: Reed Parker, Reyna Rivas, Janssen Swent, Gunner Dongieux
Louisiana’s arts conservatory, NOCCA is proud to share the news that several of its students recently received the news that they are national Finalists, Honorable Mention and Merit winners in the YoungArts Scholarship Competition.
Winners include NOCCA students:
Reed Parker Visual Arts | Finalist Slidell, NOCCA Academic Studio
Gunner Dongieux Visual Arts | Merit New Orleans, Benjamin Franklin High
Reyna Rivas Cinematic Arts | Merit Metairie, Homeschool
Janssen Swent Cinematic Arts | Merit Mandeville, Homeschool
Also of special note, 2016 NOCCA Classical Vocal Alumna Lindsey Reynolds has also been selected as YoungArts Finalist as well as 2016 NOCCA Classical Vocal Alumna Emily Sheets as Merit:
Lindsey Reynolds Voice/Soprano | Finalist New Orleans, Studying at Curtis Institute of Music
Emily Sheets Voice/Mezzo Soprano | Merit Metairie, Studying at Rice University Shepherd School of Music
“These outstanding young artists represent the best of the future of arts from a city and state that has a rich and long tradition of arts born of our culture,” stated NOCCA President | CEO Kyle Wedberg. “It is an extraordinary group people across three different arts who received merit recognition. And to have two finalists is quite exceptional. We wish them all continued growth and recognition as people, students and artists.
Selected out the largest number to date—these students have been recognized for their outstanding work and accomplishments and they represent 691 young artists from 40 states across the literary, visual, design and performing arts who are being presented with this year’s honor. Winners receive cash awards of up to $10,000, validation by renowned mentors, opportunities to participate in YoungArts programs, a strong professional network, and guidance in taking important steps toward achieving their goals.
As part of the group of 166 Finalists (the top 9% of applications), and will attend the 36th annual National YoungArts Week in Miami from January 8 to 15, 2017, which aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and community while offering the guidance needed to prepare for the next stage of their careers. During the weeklong intensive, participants across 10 disciplines take master classes and workshops with internationally renowned leaders in their field. Throughout the week, their work will be further adjudicated to determine additional award levels, including a monetary award of $1,000 to $10,000.
Finalists are also eligible to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, as YoungArts is the exclusive nominating agency for this high honor. Every year, YoungArts nominates 60 YoungArts Winners to the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars, 20 of whom are selected to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.