By Daily Press staff
Four local high school students will get a nod next week from the governor for their achievements in the arts. They also will go to an elite arts program for a month this summer to hone their skills.
Richard J. Riordan, Secretary of Education will present the Governor’s proclamation, which declares June 4, 2004 as California Arts Scholars Day. He will be joined by celebrity presenters, to honor Santa Monica students Dondi Aguirre (visual arts), Maya Seidler (theater), Max Vernon (creative writing), Ryan Allen (music instrumental), and Salea Hayes (music vocal), among others.
Honored for accomplishments in animation, creative writing, dance, film/video, music, theater and visual arts, the young Californians were selected for their artistic talent by a distinguished panel of judges, which included practicing professionals. They will participate in local ceremonies throughout the state, where each will be awarded a Governor’s Arts Scholar Medallion.
“California State Summer School for the Arts challenges talented young artists to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “These students will take California’s arts and entertainment to new heights in the years ahead.”
The governor’s award recognizes students who have been selected to attend, or who are on the waiting list for the month-long California State Summer School for the Arts program whose moniker is “InnerSpark.” Chosen from 1,255 applicants statewide, the 180 southland scholars represent nearly 80 public and private secondary schools throughout Los Angeles County.
InnerSpark will be held this year at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia from July 10 through Aug. 7, where the high school students will explore their creative potential. Working and living together in a community setting and being taught by distinguished practicing professionals, the students will nurture their talent and realize their dreams.
“One of the most important goals of the arts scholars program is to honor and train the most talented young artists in California,” said Susan Dolgen, chair of the CSSSA board of trustees. “Scholarships have historically been awarded and approximately 50 percent of the students receive financial assistance.”
InnerSpark is a pre-professional training program for California high school students aspiring to careers in the arts and entertainment industries. The program was established 18 years ago by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. George Deukmejian in 1986. Scholarships are available to California residents.
“In InnerSpark’s 18-year history, it has empowered 7,561 talented, motivated students to hone their skills in an intensive multidisciplinary educational environment,” said Robert M. Jaffe, director of the CSSSA state agency in Sacramento. “The arts are a critical part of California life. By encouraging artists of diverse talent, InnerSpark supports young men and women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in an increasingly important part of California’s economic landscape.”
InnerSpark is funded through a partnership between the public and private sectors. Contributions from such companies as Union Bank of California are instrumental in the educational program.
“The arts build appreciation for our differences as well as our similarities and unite our community,” says Richard Hartnack, vice chairman for the community banking and investment services for Union Bank of California. “InnerSpark provides the opportunity to recognize talented high school students who need the support of educators and corporate leaders to motivate them to continue their education and training.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 28, 2004. Read the original PDF.