Fox Valley Beaux Arts awards annual scholarships

Fox Valley Beaux Arts, a non-profit women’s club founded in 1984 to foster and support the arts, recently presented seven Elgin area students with college scholarships valuing a total of $23,000.

“Our club’s mission is to elevate the arts through area youth scholarships to those Elgin area high school seniors going on to major or minor in the arts in higher education” said Susan Pepa, club president. “We are proud to continue our tradition and award these amazing creative students.”

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

• Marco Angel Castelan, Larkin High School, Elgin (Clarinet - Elgin Community College)
• Diego Gomez, Elgin High School, Elgin (Viola - Illinois State University)
• Zoey Helle-Kuczinski, Bartlett High School, Bartlett (Clarinet - Carroll University)
• Patrick Johnson, St. Edward Central Catholic High School, Elgin (Art, Drawing - Harper College)
• Charlotte (Chuck) Klekamp, Larkin High School, Elgin (Drawing, Painting, Fashion - School of the Art Institute of Chicago)
• Adunni Okiji, Larkin High School. Elgin (Violin - Illinois State University)
• Paolo Reyes, South Elgin High School, South Elgin (Cello - Elgin Community College)

“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 "Picture This" will take place this year on Saturday, September 14 at the Elgin Country Club. In addition to a luncheon, we will feature a Fashion Show by Chico's, vendors, raffles, and a silent auction. The monies raised will fund next year's talented recipients." For more information about this event, please contact Susan Carroll-Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts members consist of a wide range of women who are engaged or support the arts and who reside throughout the Fox Valley area. Members of the club’s board of directors include Susan Pepa, president; Loretta Heuer, vice president; Florence Ostdick, secretary; Mary McCarthy, treasurer; Marge Haefliger and Chris Womac, programs; Rose Engle and Barb McGee, scholarships; Cheryl Hallquist, membership; and Loretta Heuer, publicity. Anyone interested in joining our group please contact our membership chairperson, Cheryl Hallquist at cherylhallquist@att.net

For more information about Fox Valley Beaux Arts, please contact Susan Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.

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