2016 Barbara Benson Scholarship Winners

TACFA Announces 2016 Annual Scholarship Winners

Pictured left to right: Nicholas Im, Christopher Nobel, Kira Wendland, Rinetta Korea, Amanda Nazareno, Kennedy Davanzo
Photograph courtesy of John Garrett

TACFA was once again pleased to honor the memory of Barbara Benson by awarding six scholarships to TUSD graduating seniors. The selection committee had the difficult task of selecting the recipients from an exceedingly talented group of students. Brushstrokes, graciously interrupted  their busy schedule to host the event.  After each scholarship winner gave a demonstration of their art, it was clear why they were selected. For more pictures of the winners please click here.

Nicholas Im, from Beckman High School, has committed to the Eastman School of Music for the Fall of 2016.  He will major in Musical Performance for the cello.  Nicholas was also named the Orange County Register Varsity Arts Instrumentalist of the Year.  Nicholas said: “To me, this scholarship is a way to help repay my family for all that they have done to help me in my musical pursuit.  To hear Nicholas’ performance at the reception please click here.

Amanda Nazareno, from Beckman High School, will be using her scholarship to attend California State University, Long Beach to pursue a degree in graphic design. Amanda hopes that in ten years she will have completed her BFA in Graphic Design and be creating designs for the music industry.

Christopher Noble, from Beckman High School, will be pursuing a degree in Violin Performance at Chapman University.  He credits is teacher Mr. Kollias as his inspiration and role model.  Christopher would eventually like to teach violin to children in his own studio, work as a violin coach at a high school and be a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  To her Christopher’s performance please click here.

Rinette Konea, from Foothill High School, will be attending the Penny W. Stamp School of the Arts at the University of Michigan.  Her focus will be in the field of Visual Arts and Digital Communications and Media, with a minor or double major in Marketing.  Rinette was also won Best in Show in TACFA’s 2015 Student Art Invitaional.

Kira Wendland, from OCSA, will be using her scholarship to attend the University of Northern Colorado this fall.  She plans on majoring in musical theater and minor in Dance and Sign Language.  Kira states: “My biggest inspiration has been the students and staff at South Coast Repertory in Coats Mesa”.  YTo hear her performance please click here.

Kennedy Davanzo, from Tustin High School, will be attending OCC for the nest 2 years with an eye in transferring to a college on the East coast after that.  She will be majoring on photography and sees herself teaching photography to either high school or college students.