Rhe'a Roland Arts Innovation Award Fund

In many rural communities, pursuing a career in the arts is seen as impractical or unattainable. Students with talent and passion for creative fields often lack the resources, encouragement, and financial support to turn their dreams into reality. The Rhe'a Roland Arts Innovation Award was created to change that narrative — empowering students from Pasquotank County High School to follow their artistic passions, whether in visual arts, fashion, performance, design, or other creative disciplines. About the Scholarship The Rhe'a Roland Arts Innovation Award will: - Award annual funding to one or more graduating seniors from Pasquotank County High School. -Support the purchase of art supplies, tools, software, materials, or other resources that enable students to further their artistic education. -Encourage students to explore bold, creative futures that might otherwise feel out of reach in a rural setting. Why It Matters Rural students face unique challenges: -Limited access to arts programs, mentorship, and professional opportunities. -Financial barriers to pursuing arts education (supplies, portfolio development, travel for auditions/exhibits). -Cultural narratives that often discourage careers in creative fields. This scholarship addresses these barriers by offering not just financial help, but validation: a message to students that their creative dreams are both valid and achievable.