Barbara Benson Memorial Scholarships • Tustin Unified School District

Barbara Benson Memorial Scholarships

Named for long-time community supporter, TUSD school Board member and TACFA Board member, Barbara Benson, these annual scholarships are awarded to TUSD high school seniors who will further their arts education in a post-secondary institution.

TACFA works with the high school's art departments and counselors to find applicants. Each applicant submits a written application, career goal statement and letter of recommendation. After also demonstrating their particular talents, a panel of professionals chooses the scholarships' recipients.

Past Winners

TACFA Announces Annual Scholarship Winners

The Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) has announced its Barbara Benson Memorial Scholarship winners for 2007. Each June scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors in the Tustin area who intend to pursue a career in the Visual or Performing Arts at a college, university, or other professional training program after graduating from high school. This year TACFA has awarded five $2000- scholarships for a total of $10,000 in scholarship awards.

The TACFA scholarship program is one of the most important ways TACFA meets its goal of supporting the Arts in the greater Tustin area. In this competition, each applicant is required to complete a written application in addition to presenting their work to a TACFA delegation composed of experts in the various fields of the Arts. This year’s jury was made up of Helen Anderson, Rita Chemers, Peggy Davis, Bernie Jones, Lola Seymour, and Mercita McClain. After interviewing twenty-one remarkably talented students, the judges recommended the following students be awarded the scholarships:

Giselle Strauss of Foothill High won in the Visual Arts category. Giselle specializes in oil and acrylics and produces superior works of art. She challenges herself with art media that are often difficult and unique. Her spectacular piece entitled “Norway Says” is composed of acrylic paint on newspaper, serving as a frame for an acrylic and charcoal portrait in the center. After a year at Irvine Valley College, Giselle will continue her study of art at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Leah Birkenbach from Tustin High excels in photography in the Visual Arts category and in creative writing. Leah will be attending SUNY Purchase in the fall, majoring in photography. She exhibits an intuitive understanding of color and composition and has the ability to see what’s important in common or forgotten things. By linking her visual (photographic) ideas with her expressive poetry and creative writing, Leah delves far beneath the surface to produce stunning thought-provoking images.

Peter Parrish, also a Tustin High student, was awarded his TACFA scholarship in Visual Arts. Peter’s skill in drawing and painting the human form in the style of the Renaissance Masters amazed the jury panel. In addition, his expertise painting in symmetry and pattern is reminiscent of Islamic and Celtic styles of design. His originality in integrating 2D design and realism into one style astounded the professional artists who viewed his work. Peter approaches his art with passion, devotion and vision. He will continue his studies at Laguna College of Art and Design.

Courtney Beavers, a member of the first graduating class of Beckman High School, has been accepted into Chapman University Film School. Courtney was awarded in the category of Visual Arts and Drama. In addition to many acting awards throughout high school, she has won the respect and admiration of her fellow students for her many influential and affecting films on such topics as Tolerance and Punctuality. She is most proud of her film “Every 15 Minutes,” which depicts a party scene and the accident that follows due to drunk-driving. Courtney’s films convey powerful messages which positively influence her peers.

Kyle Evans, also a 2007 graduate of Beckman High, excels in the field of Instrumental Music. He will major in Music at Cal State, Fullerton, and is planning a career in music merchandising and management. This winner of the Bones-West Award and 2005 John Philip Sousa Award is proficient in numerous classical and folk instruments. Kyle has met the demanding commitment of participating in five Beckman performing groups, while earning the trust and respect of his peers.

TACFA congratulates all the winners and thanks all those who participated.

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