For the second year in a row, the talent of two Mount St. Mary Academy seniors has been recognized by one of Thea Foundation’s annual scholarship competitions. Isabelle “Izzy” Lunsford’s submission for creative writing, a poem she penned in her AP Language and Composition class, earned her the category’s top $10,000 scholarship. Additionally, Jordyn Lane won the seventh place $3,000 scholarship in the performing arts category.
News of the awards didn’t come as a surprise for those who’ve worked with the students throughout their time at Mount. “Izzy pushes herself in class to improve her writing skills, and I am proud of her accomplishment,” Mount English teacher Heather Olvey '94 said of her student.
“The glue to this year’s theatre department, Jordyn is not only incredibly hard-working and talented, but she is kind and compassionate,” said Jenny Moses, a theatre and forensics instructor at Mount. “You see that vulnerability when she is on stage, and it brings her performance to life. The Thea Foundation Scholarship is a much-deserved recognition!”
With no theme to hold them back this year, Thea Foundation had a record number of students – more than 400 – from across Arkansas apply for a chance at part of $219,000 worth of scholarships. This year also brought several new judges from across the country including professors at SCAD, Columbia University, Northwestern University and University of Southern California.
“This was my first year serving as a judge for the Thea Foundation, and I was truly struck by the level of talent, care and awareness that breathed through each and every entry,” stated Adama Delphine Fawundu, assistant professor of visual art at Columbia University in New York. “Altogether, I was deeply inspired and moved by what the next generation of artists has to offer.”
A total of 36 Arkansas seniors were awarded scholarships in five different categories, including performing arts, visual arts, creative writing, film and fashion. The complete list can be found on Thea Foundation’s website at www.theafoundation.org. A majority of Thea Foundation’s scholarships are endowed. The name(s) or organization attributed with the endowment are also listed on the website.
Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of Arkansas’ youth. Its annual scholarship competitions remain a key resource for helping high school seniors across the state receive financial support for higher education based on their talent alone. The organization has awarded more than $3.7 million in scholarships since its inception in 2001. Two members of the Mount St. Mary Class of 2025 were recognized in last year’s competition in the performing arts category. Isabella Nguyen won first place, which earned her the top $10,000 scholarship, and Maya Johnson placed eighth and received a $3,000 scholarship.