Scholarship Program
About the 2023 Scholarship
Announcement
SMAC awards up to two $2,000 two-year college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the Performing, Visual or Literary Arts. . Eligible students must be attending the following high schools or are home schooled in the geographic areas of these schools: Franklin County High School, Gretna High School, Staunton River High School, Christian Heritage Academy and SML Christian Academy.
Applications are open to students who will be studying in all recognized academic disciplines at either two- or four-year accredited colleges, universities, or community colleges. This is a change from a previous rule which stated that the scholarships were only available to students who planned to pursue an arts major. It is hoped that this will bring in a wider selection of talented students.
Scholarships will be paid in the amount of $1,000 per year for the first two years of enrollment. In order to receive the second payment, the student must submit his or her first-year transcript to the SMAC Scholarship Committee and show progress satisfactory.
Applicants may not be related to any member of the Smith Mountain Arts Council Board of Directors, incomplete applications will not be considered, and scholarship amounts may be used only for tuition.
Method of Selection
Recipients will be selected by the SMAC Scholarship Committee. Applications will be considered based on Artistic Goals & Academic Record; Artistic Activities, Awards & Honors; Other Academic Awards & Honors; High School & Community Activities and Work Experience. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required.
Application Requirements
Applications must be endorsed by the Guidance Department/Home-School Coordinator. Applications must be received by the committee by March 31, 2023 and must include the following:
- Completed Application Form
- Copies of Artistic Work (documents, photos, videos, or links to artistic works)
- High School Transcript to Date
- Three [3] Letters of Recommendation: one [1] from arts teacher, one [1] from other teacher or high school official and one [1] from a community person not related to applicant
Get and Submit Application
Application deadline was Mar 31, 2023 and applications are no longer being accepted.
Use the link below to download the application and to submit all application materials. Any questions can be addressed to Kathleen Riordan, the SMAC Scholarship Chair, at khriordan@gmail.com.
Click here to download application and submit all application materials.
Scholarship Checks
Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the college on receipt of a copy of the letter of acceptance, mailing address, enrollment ID and social security number. Scholarship funds will be applied only to the student’s tuition cost.
Smith Mountain Arts Council Awards 2022 Arts Scholarships
In keeping with our core principles to promote the arts in the community, Smith Mountain Arts Council is proud to announce the winners of our 2022 college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the performing, visual or literary arts:
- A $2,000 two-year scholarship awarded to Lili Call from Franklin County High School, attending University of Tennessee with plans to study interior and landscape architecture
- A $2,000 two-year scholarship awarded to Lindsey Smith from Franklin County High School, attending Virginia Western Community College, then most likely transferring to James Madison University studying Elementary Education
- An additional $1000 two-year scholarship awarded to Gracie Kate Gordon from Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy, attending Liberty University to study Film Production and Content Development with a focus in Directing
Congratulations to these students and thank you to all the talented students who applied this year. Special thanks to the Scholarship Chairperson, Kathleen Riordan and her committee of Jim Mullens, Jackie McKeown, Marita Cheney, and Rich Miller.
Lili Call
(Lili Call: Photo Not Available)
Gracie Kate Gordon
Lindsey Smith
Scholarship Winners - May 26, 2021
Keely Barkovitch
In recognition of her outstanding Artistic, High School and Community Achievements while a student at Franklin County High School. This two-year Scholarship is in the amount of $2000 and will be paid in the amount of $1000 per year for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic year tuition provided she is enrolled at a two or four-year accredited college or university and provided further that payment for the second year is subject to her submitting to the SMAC Scholarship Committee first year transcripts and a summary of her progress satisfactory to the Committee. The Award will be sent by check directly to the School upon receipt of a copy of her letter of acceptance, her enrollment ID and social security number and the Admission Office mailing address.
Andrew Gibson
In recognition of his outstanding Artistic, High School and Community Achievements while a student at Gretna High School. This two-year Scholarship is in the amount of $2000 and will be paid in the amount of $1000 per year for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic year tuition provided he is enrolled at a two or four-year accredited college or university and provided further that payment for the second year is subject to his submitting to the SMAC Scholarship Committee first year transcripts and a summary of his progress satisfactory to the Committee. The Award will be sent by check directly to the School upon receipt of a copy of his letter of acceptance, his enrollment ID and social security number and the Admission Office mailing address.
