Scholarship Awards 2025 - Smith Mountain Arts Council

Smith Mountain Arts Council Awards 2025 Arts Scholarships

The Smith Mountain Arts Council is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the performing, visual or literary arts. Congratulations to these students and thank you to all the talented students who applied this year.

Special thanks to Kathleen Riordan, SMAC Scholarship Committee Chairperson, and to Marita Cheney and Jackie McKeown for their participation on the Scholarship Committee this year.

Connor Dunford

Connor Dunford, from Franklin County High School, achieved a 4.3 GPA with a focus on Concert Band and Instrumental Performance playing alto saxophone with deep technical mastery. He has won multiple 1st Chair competition awards and the FCHS National Band Leadership Award. Connor also publishes concert band music for international publication. Connor plans to attend James Madison University to major in Music Education. In the community, he is active in his church Youth Mission Team and aides in diocesan wide events on a regular basis. Conor will receive his scholarship on May 28 at the Franklin County High School Award Program.

Emma Hager

Emma Hager from Staunton River High School in Bedford County achieved a 4.2 GPA. Emma has studied at LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance for 11 years and won many awards. In high school she was director of the Key Club, and is earning her Associate’s degree by the time she graduates from high school. Emma plans to pursue dance and Nutrition/Wellness curriculums at Radford University, aspiring to become a Sports Dietitian in the community. Emma attended Rotary youth leadership awards in 2022 and participated in the Virginia 4-H state Congress in 2023 and 2024. Emma will receive her scholarship on May 17th at the Staunton River high school awards program.