2021 Scholarship Recipients

Every year the AAC awards two scholarships to graduating art students at EO Smith High School – one for the performing arts and one for the visual arts. These students are chosen because they have taken two or more courses in their area; exhibited enthusiasm, interest, honesty, and integrity; and produced quality work viewed or open to the public. The recipients plan on pursuing their interest vocationally or as an avocation.

Alissa Recchia – Visual Arts

I create art to cheer people up and brighten the space around me. I still remember when I was a kindergartener sitting at the kitchen counter scribbling dogs for hours on end, and it’s been exciting to see how far my skills have developed. I would describe my style as cartoonish, andI hope to create a few animations of my own in the years to come. The subjects of my work are usually the same few characters I draw over and over, placed in all manner of fantastical settings. My inspiration comes from nature, my fellow artists, and a good amount of the thousands of books I’ve read. I want to thank my high school art teachers who helped me learn and grow my skills: Ms. Elizabeth Andrews, Ms. Tammy Glaeser, and Ms. Heather Bunnell.  I’m currently taking AP Studio Art, and I’ve taken a variety of art courses in the past, such as Drawing, Painting, Jewelry, and Ceramics.  I’m honored to receive a scholarship for one of my lifelong passions and favorite hobbies, especially since I didn’t expect this at all!

Rebecca Drake – Performing Arts

I have spent my last four years following my true love for music and the performing arts. While at E.O. Smith, I have been a member of the E.O. Smith Chamber Singers, the Concert Choir, and the Women’s Treble Choir. I was honored to participate in the Eastern Regional Music Festival for four years, the All-State Music Festival for three years, and last fall I was privileged to perform in the All-National High School Honors Choir. Outside of school, I have studied Classical Voice with UConn faculty through Jorgensen Auditorium’s JOY! Conservatory Program. I have thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Windham Theatre Guild’s Broadway Chorus and performing in the TYSCT (Tolland Youth Services Community Theater) summer musicals. Recently, I auditioned and placed second in the 2021 CT NATS competition in the category “Upper High School Classical”. This fall, I will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and will be majoring in commercial music performance and will be minoring in music business. I can’t wait to further my music education and grow as a musician at Belmont!