“Launching Leaders in the Arts” Sarasota branch of the National League of American Pen Women
The Sarasota branch of the National League of American Pen Women recognizes high school seniors from Sarasota and Manatee counties who produce exceptional work in the arts: writing, visual arts, and music. Recently, students from 15 area schools were recognized with scholarships for their creative work as part of the “Launching Leaders in the Arts initiative.
A grant from the Cornelia T Bailey Foundation allowed Pen Women to continue a 30-year tradition of recognizing, encouraging, and growing the confidence of high school seniors talented in the arts.
“We also were able to offer free student memberships to our winning females--thus allowing them the opportunity to join the oldest women's only interdisciplinary arts organization in the country–with its origins to 1897. We are especially encouraged by having younger members to mentor and to serve our purpose of keeping the arts alive for talented young women,” said Wilma Davidson, President, National League of American Pen Women, Sarasota Branch.
“Launching Leaders in the Arts” is the primary community outreach program for the non-profit, supporting college-bound high school seniors. The competition is designed to encourage self-expression, creativity and foster further interest in the arts.
Our Foundation believes that partnering with programs like “Launching Leaders in the Arts” helps to harness the extraordinary power of the arts to inspire and dramatically improve the lives of students and their communities.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners, who were recently announced at an event attended by teachers and parents. Winning students took center stage, exhibiting their art, reading excerpts from their literary work, and performing musical compositions.
The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation Special Award for Excellence in Writing was presented to Madelyn Halperin (Venice) for “Pimento Cheese.”
The Cornelia T. Bailey Special Awards were presented to Simone Liang (Southeast) for “An Apology to my Motherland”; Ashley Tinoco (Manatee) for “The Red Jacket”; Anna Lesnick (State College of Florida Collegiate School) for “Letter to my Future Self”; and Miranda Clapp (Sarasota Military Academy) for “What She Promised.”
To learn more about the National League of American Pen Women and “Launching Leaders in the Arts,” visit https://www.sarasotapenwomen.org/winnersgallery2021.