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Elena Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Friends of Elena Johnston
$5,000
1 winner$5,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Sep 2, 2024
Winners Announced
Oct 7, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Share
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
State:
Maryland
Field of Study:
Arts, creative arts, performing arts, arts education
Education Level:
State:
Field of Study:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Maryland
Arts, creative arts, performing arts, arts education

Elena Johnston was a gifted woman who was an active and beloved member of the Baltimore arts community. She was a prolific artist who poured her creativity into her life as well as her practice. 

This scholarship is a tribute to Elena’s artistic body of work, her laugh-filled spirit, and her thoughtful, generous nature as both a teacher and friend.

This Elena Johnston Memorial Scholarship will support the academic pursuits of a student in Maryland who shares Elena’s passion for the arts.

Any high school senior or undergraduate student in Maryland who is pursuing a degree in arts, performing arts, arts education or the creative arts at an accredited 2 or 4-year program may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Students from Baltimore City and who graduated from Baltimore City Public Schools are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, describe an artistic experience, interaction, or exposure you have had in Maryland that has informed, inspired, or influenced your artistic journey, perspective, practice, or craft.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Scholarships for High School SeniorsHigh School ScholarshipsUndergraduate ScholarshipsMaryland Scholarships
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Published April 26, 2024
$5,000
1 winner$5,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Sep 2, 2024
Winners Announced
Oct 7, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Share
Essay Topic

In 250 words or less, please describe an artistic experience, interaction, or exposure you have had in Maryland that has informed, inspired, or influenced your artistic journey, perspective, practice, or craft.

100–250 words

Winners and Finalists

October 2024

Winners
Deja Pemberton
Maryland Institute College of Art
Bowie, MD
Finalists
Myles Thorpe
New York University
Crofton, MD

Winning Application

Deja Pemberton
Maryland Institute College of ArtBowie, MD
In 2021, I got the opportunity to exhibit my work for a Juneteenth event at BlackRock Center for the Arts. The experience of being in that exhibition gave me a greater perspective on the impact art can have. I made a piece reflecting on black women's hair and the societal issues that come with embracing it. Growing up and constantly hearing news stories about black girls having to conform to societal beauty standards is traumatizing. Being told that your hair isn't "up to code" and "appropriate" can destroy a person's relationship with themselves and others like them. Unfortunately, this shared experience breeds more discrimination inside of the black community, tearing us apart. I wanted my piece to reflect on that while also giving some power back to us. To be able to present that piece in a room filled with other black women gave me a feeling beyond belief. I understand the importance of seeing characters like me in media. Yet, seeing in real-time the significance representation can have was overwhelming. I not only felt heard but so did the people around me, which made me understand the power art has. I talked to some women afterward, and they exclaimed about how moved they were by my piece. I hope that with future art pieces I make, I can give viewers a way to see themselves.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Sep 2, 2024. Winners will be announced on Oct 7, 2024.

How will scholarship application information be used?

Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here. You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.

What is the scholarship award?

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?

The winner will be publicly announced on Oct 7, 2024. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.

How will the scholarship award be paid?

Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.

How will my scholarship application be verified?

Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.

How should I get in touch with questions?

If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?

Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.

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