Darien Students Honored For College Commitments In Visual And Performing Arts

DARIEN, CT — Darien High School recognized seniors pursuing college degrees in the arts during its second annual Arts Commitment Ceremony on April 29.

Held in the school’s auditorium lobby, the ceremony honored students committed to studying visual arts, music and theater at colleges and conservatories across the country.

The students recognized were:

• Tatum Dunn, University of Michigan, art and design
• Darragh Hallinan, Northwestern University, music – vocal performance
• David Lui, New England Conservatory, music composition
• Milana Melnick, Princeton University, English and visual arts – film focus
• Taylor Moore, Sacred Heart University, studio art or graphic design
• James Powell, Ringling College of Art and Design, computer animation
• Molly Shields, William & Mary, English and education with a theater minor
• Everett Walsh, Rochester Institute of Technology, graphic design
• Hugh Winegar, Brigham Young University, acting – film focus
• Sutherland Wood, New York University, jazz studies – jazz bass performance
• Ryan Xing, Vanderbilt University, music – piano performance
• Sydney Winslow, Ithaca College, Bachelor of Fine Arts – film focus

Several students also were recognized for merit-based honors, including David Lui (Dean Scholarship recipient); James Powell (Pathway Scholarship recipient); and Everett Walsh (RIT Presidential Scholarship recipient).

"This ceremony is a testament to the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our faculty," said Darien Public Schools Director of Visual Art and Music Colleen Thompson, in an announcement. "We thank our arts teachers at every level for shaping these students' paths and preparing them to continue their artistic journeys into college and beyond."

According to the district, the annual ceremony was created to recognize student artists in a manner similar to collegiate commitment ceremonies for athletes.