Padriac Routa Memorial Scholarship

Last year, I was asked to help out with Junior Leadership of Medina County (JrLMC). The summer sun beat down on me as I crouched uncomfortably, paintbrush in hand. For a moment, I wondered why exactly I had agreed to the request. But as an alumnus of JrLMC, I wanted to support the incoming class of juniors. For me, the leadership experience was memorable and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wanted the new students to have just as much fun as I did. My contribution was painting black-and-white wildlife outlines onto rain barrels. Every year, the students paint them in, like a special coloring book. Using my passion for art to make an impact on my community was immensely fulfilling. I was able to spread positivity and build connections with other volunteers; I used my passion for art to benefit others and enjoyed every second of it. Outside of this experience, I am involved with the MHS Art Club. I have taken art classes for as long as I can remember, some local, some at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and others at the Cleveland Institute of Art. As a whole, the Ohio art community has been extremely supportive and beneficial to me. Artists tend to be some of the most open-minded and diverse people, allowing me to learn a lot about the world and myself. I have forged connections with peers and instructors from all walks of life. Being in such a special community has made me more compassionate, introspective, and resilient. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, but I can do my best to return the favor. To leave a lasting impact on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This senior capstone project has required significant fundraising, ongoing preparation, and numerous meetings. My intention is not only to establish the space, but to create a guide for future students to assemble their own gallery shows. They will be able to transform the gallery into whatever they want it to be. By passing it on to the Art Club leaders, I hope to leave a legacy that stretches far beyond my high school graduation. The act of creation can be a sanctuary and conversation starter for both the artist and the viewer. It positively impacts mental wellbeing, draws people together, and teaches valuable lessons. I have a lot to say through my artwork, but instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I paint my friends, replicate fun summer nights, and use self-portraits to reflect on my personal growth. Each piece I create begins with a feeling rather than a concept. From there, I contemplate what subjects will draw that particular emotion out of me. After establishing a composition, I use anything from colored pencils and oil pastels to acrylic paint and ink. I create my pieces on diverse surfaces like fabric or even window blinds. There is nothing I will not try at least once, as trying new things keeps me on my toes. I intend to use my artwork, time, and skill to uplift others for the entirety of my artistic career.