Fox Valley Beaux Arts announces 2026 scholarship winners

Fox Valley Beaux Arts, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization in Elgin, recently presented nine scholarships to students within the U-46 school district. Founded in 1984, Beaux Arts fosters the arts in the Fox Valley area has engaged with and offered support to students, families, and art groups since its inception.

“Our club’s mission is to elevate the arts through area youth scholarships, community art support and lifelong learning. We invite and encourage U-46 high school seniors going on to major or minor in the arts in higher education to apply for our scholarships” said Susan Pepa, co-president. “We are proud to continue our tradition and award these amazingly creative students.”

The nine scholarship recipients all intend to pursue the arts in their areas of talent and interest this fall. The students are:

· Julia Calzante, Bartlett High School (Photography, Columbia College, Chicago)
· Jenna Fox, Bartlett High School (Vocal, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana)
· Rebecca Herrmann, South Elgin High School (Vocal, Milliken University)
· Kai Oliveira, Westminster Christian (Drawing, Wheaton College)
· Diego Quintanilla Pineda, Larkin High School (Clarinet, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana)
· Makayla Preuss, Larkin High School (Visual Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities)
· Madison Redden, Bartlett High School (Drawing, Columbia College, Chicago)
· Ian Roberts, South Elgin High School (Vocal, Carroll University)
· Ivan Zamudio, South Elgin High School (Vocal, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana)

“Major support for our scholarship donations is raised through our popular annual luncheon event,” said Loretta Heuer, vice-president. “We are pleased to announce that the Fox Valley Beaux Arts fundraiser, “Brushtrokes of America”, will take place this year on Saturday, September 12th at the Elgin Country Club. In addition to our luncheon, we will feature a Fashion Show by Chico's, raffles, and a silent auction. The monies raised will fund next year's talented recipients." For more information about this event, please contact Susan Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts members consist of a wide range of women who are engaged with and/or support the arts and who reside throughout the Fox Valley area. Members of this year's Board of Directors are Susan Pepa and Cheryl Hallquist, co-Presidents; Loretta Heuer, Vice-President; Florence Ostdick, Correspondence Secretary; Katie McBride, Recording Secretary; Bonnie Henn-Prichard, Treasurer; Marge Haefliger and Chris Womac, Programs; Barb McGee, Scholarships; Rose Engle, Membership and Publicity/Communications.

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Rose Engle at roseengle@hotmail.com.