The New World School of the Arts Alumni Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 organization created more than a decade ago to provide opportunities to connect alumni, help fund grants for alumni arts focused projects, and award scholarships for accomplished NWSA high school graduates, presented sixteen scholarships to class of 2024 high school grads. This year, the organization presented over $40,000, an amount which has increased each year, to the graduates during an elegant Night of Stars awards ceremony last week.
“The Night of Stars was just fabulous this year, and the NWSA Alumni Foundation was a large part of that,” said Dr. Contessa Bryant, high school Principal, New World School of the Arts. “In addition to all the artistic and academic awards given each year, the Alumni Foundation has used this time as an opportunity to present scholarships. $40K has a huge impact in making our seniors’ transition to college easier. They are so thoughtful in how awards are given taking time to read each application and essay. Members of the scholarship committee share that after reading the essays they are inspired to find even more money to help! After the ceremony, the NWSA Alumni Foundation sponsored the reception following offering an opportunity for the students to speak with alumni. A huge thank you to Elizabeth Gainer, Patrick O’Connell, Randall Emmett, and the entire Alumni Foundation for their work. It makes a huge difference!”
Among the scholarships presented was the Cardone scholarship, offered to five students, and the Emmett scholarship to two students, presented by NWSA theatre class of ‘89 alumnus, Randall Emmett. Four students who plan to continue their education in the state of Florida received the Dolphins scholarship; while Alumna Elizabeth Gainer, NWSA theatre class of ’90 alumna, along with her husband, awarded the Legacy scholarship to two students, presented on stage by retired NWSA founder and high school counselor Sylvan Seidenman. Finally, three students received the Franklin scholarship, presented each year to first-generation students.
“In addition to these scholarship programs, the Alumni Foundation awards an annual grant to support an alumni artistic project. ‘The Inspiration Grant’, now in its eighth year, has supported dance performances, art exhibitions, new plays, and performance art pieces. The Foundation also hosts alumni focused events around the country to keep our members connected and collaborating,” said Patrick O’ Connell, Alumni Foundation President and NWSA theater alumnus, class of ’92.