Arts Advocates Awards $38,500 in Scholarships

May 24, 2023 – Sarasota

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce that 11 Sarasota and Manatee county students have been awarded scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year totaling $38,500. Since 1969, the scholarship program has awarded over $1.1 million to students whose studies include visual and related arts, dance, writing, music, theater and architecture. All scholarship monies are generated through Arts Advocates activities and donations.

Danny Bó Delongaig is a two-time recipient of an Arts Advocates scholarship. He is entering his senior year at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio where he is majoring in musical theater. Upon graduating, he plans to audition in New York City.

Lillian Fox received her second Arts Advocates scholarship. She will be a sophomore at the University of South Florida where she is pursuing a double major in studio arts and dance performance. When she graduates in 2026, Fox plans to audition for ballet and modern dance companies while continuing her passion for the visual arts.

Colin Leonard is a three-time Arts Advocates scholarship winner. He is entering his junior year at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, studying for a degree in music with a minor in environmental studies. Leonard’s goal is to improve the world by combining musical performance, teaching, and composing with his passion for conservation. 

Wilderley (“Will”) Mauricette, who is majoring in film, enters his senior year at Ringling College of Art & Design this fall. He received a first-place award at a recent film festival as an emerging filmmaker. Mauricette completed a full-length feature film, “Monopoly Money,” while attending school fulltime. The film was shown at the Sarasota Film Festival and other film festivals around the world. 

Maria Medina discovered her passion for music at an early age in Cuba. Medina graduated from Florida State College at the top of the music program. In spring 2022, she won the FSC Piano Division. Medina wants to integrate Hispanic musical roots in the areas of film scoring and music for media. 

Emma Pritchett, a two-time recipient of the Arts Advocates scholarship, is studying at the University of South Florida’s School of Architecture. She is particularly interested in being a role model for young girls to enter the field of architecture. 

Noelle Prouty is interested in studying how art influences our understanding of nature. This fall, she enters her sophomore year at the University of Florida Honors College majoring in art and biology. She plans to pursue a career in medical or biological illustration. 

John Quigley is a second-time winner of an Arts Advocates scholarship. Quigley is a military veteran entering his junior year at the Ringling College of Art & Design majoring in illustration/digital art, preparing for a career as a concept/storyboard artist. Within his body of work are pieces that encapsulate moments in time from his military service. 

Mehak Sandhu, a graduate of the Booker High School Visual & Performing Arts Program, enters college this fall to major in fine arts. Sandhu is focused on the marketing and business side of art and looks forward to creating an online presence in the art world. 

Samantha Tanelli enters college in the fall to major in fine arts and illustration. She plans to write and illustrate children’s books. Tanelli’s goal is to inspire people to explore their emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. 

Danae Tran, who graduated from Booker High School, will major in violin performance. Tran has attended FSU’s Music Camp, Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee, and the Brevard Summer Institute in North Carolina. At the age of 10, Tran was selected to participate in the Perlman Suncoast Super Strings Program. Tran hopes to become a member of a prestigious orchestra. Fox’s and Quigley’s artwork will be on display in the Arts Advocates Gallery in July. The gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, is open Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Deb Altshul-Stark, co-chair of the Arts Advocates scholarship team along with Tonya Eubank, stated, “Members of Arts Advocates are proud to support these students in furthering their educations. We are impressed by the work, optimism, and drive of our awardees. We look forward to following their careers.”To learn more about Arts Advocates, visit artsadvocates.org.