Waves of Inspiration Scholarship

$3,000
2 winners, $1,500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 16, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 5, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Passion:
Arts
Location:
Virginia

Fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists, especially those from underrepresented groups, is critical for the beauty and happiness of the world. 

Alumni of Ocean Lakes High School remember how the arts, though available, were not strongly fostered during their high school years. Art plays a crucial role in many lives, and it’s essential to ensure that current students have the encouragement and support they need to thrive in their artistic endeavors.

This scholarship seeks to inspire and assist students who are passionate about the arts so they can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Any senior in Virginia who is passionate about the arts, whether as a career field or as a hobby, may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, underrepresented students are preferred.

To apply, write a short essay telling us about your “why" and submit an example of your artwork.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published August 27, 2024
Essay Topic

“Why?”


In 250 words or less, respond to this prompt in any way that feels meaningful to you. Your response can be about your passion for the arts, your personal journey, your goals, or any topic that you feel answers this question in a way that represents who you are. We encourage you to be creative, authentic, and honest in your response. There are no right or wrong answers—just your unique perspective.

50–250 words

Winning Applications

Yvea Robinson
Blacksburg High SchoolBlacksburg, VA
“Why?” That’s a question I often get when I tell people I want to do both Art and Engineering in college. They will ask “So you’re doing architecture?” When I reply “No”, then they go “Well, it’s good to have hobbies, engineering is such a tough subject.” Truth is I want to merge art and engineering on equal terms, and do that as my job. People incorrectly think of art and engineering as total opposites. In fact, both subjects are based on visual thinking and require creativity. The sculptor and the mechanical engineer both build structures, if for different reasons. Unfortunately, in today’s world the artistic element is usually an afterthought, because society has split the engineer from the designer, valuing function much higher than beauty. This might make sense in the zombie apocalypse, but until civilization falls, this idea is completely wrong. It wasn’t always this way. In the past, function and aesthetics often went together. Gargoyles, for example, are fantastical sculptures as much as functional spouts, protecting buildings from rain. But there are areas where both subjects combine equally, even today. Pop-up books, for example, are both engineered machines and works of art. This is why I recently got into paper art. It allows me to combine the two subjects that I love, and show the world that aesthetics can be an equal partner with functionality from the start, and not just a decoration added at the end.
Silas Soto
Courtland HighFredericksburg, VA

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 16, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jun 5, 2025.