2022 Barbara Benson Memorial Art Scholarships Winners
TUSTIN AREA COUNCIL FOR THE FINE ARTS
2022 Barbara Benson Memorial Scholarship
Student Biographies
Alisa Friday, Visual Arts, is a senior at Foothill High School. She plans on attending Cal State University Fullerton in the fall, majoring in entertainment art/animation. Her goal is to work in the animation industry to show her work to the world and do what she loves at the same time. Alisa credits her teacher, Jeff Gillette for teaching her different types of art mediums, the styles of the masters, how art has evolved over the years, and how art can have an impact on people. “I can’t wait for the future and see how my art improves.”
Camden Ho, Graphic Design, a senior at Beckman High School, will enroll at San Diego State University in the fall to earn a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Her graphic design teacher of four years, Gigi Manning, has encouraged her experimentation with different mediums and offered critiques for her designs to help refine her ability and broaden her perspective. Upon graduation, Camden will enter the design industry as either a UI or UX designer to utilize her design and composition skills as well as her programming knowledge. Camden is a finalist in the OC Artist of the Year program in
Cathy Jiang, Visual Arts, is a senior at Beckman High school. She will attend the School of Art Institute of Chicago(SAIC) next fall, majoring in illustration. She says her two art teachers and mentors, Samantha Squieri and Tracy Selina Chan, have inspired her and taught her the meaning of art. After she completes her degree, Cathy will seek to continue her work as an artist. She says, “Engaging my artistic practice in local communities is something I will continue as an artist and to fulfill my role as a creative contributor.”
Nicholas Kim, Vocal and Instrumental Music, a senior at Beckman High School, will attend Biola University next year as a Music Composition Major with a Concentration in New Media Production, and a minor in Christian theology. He cites eighth grade music teacher from Orchard Hills Middle School, Joseph Perkins, “not only did he ignite my passion for music, but he has taught me so much about composing and arranging. I would not be where I am without him.” Nick’s goal is to attend Thornton’s Screen Scoring program at USC become a composer in the video game or film industry.
Yuriko Mikasa, Instrumental Music, is a senior at Beckman High School. Yuri will enroll at the University of California, Irvine in the fall at the Claire Trevor School of Arts, majoring in Piano performance. Yuri has two mentors, her mother, who is always supportive of her and gives her unconditional love, and Jim Kollias, her orchestra teacher at Beckman. Yuri states, “he made me want to pursue my career in piano and become a music teacher. He has made my music aspect filled with unforgettable memories, life skills, what it means to be a musician.” After earning a graduate degree at a music conservatory, her goal is to teach music and conduct orchestras in high schools.
Kyra Wani, Visual Arts, is a senior at Beckman High School. In the fall, Kyra plans on attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida with a major in illustration.
Her mentor, Mari Takeyama, her instructor from Studio H, helped guide her in the application process and is both an inspiration and a wonderful teacher.“ I would not be where I am now without her.” After completing her degree, Kyra plans to work in visual development and concept art. Her goal is to work for a large animation or game studio and use her creativity to work with and inspire others.