Every year the AAAC awards scholarships to graduating art students at EO Smith High School – one for the performing arts, one for the visual arts and one for literary arts. In 2024, the Board of the AAAC decided to present an art scholarship to a student at Windham Technical High School as well. 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.
Hannah Losee – Visual Arts
Hannah is a graduating senior of E.O.’s Ag-Ed Animal Science program. Outside the classroom, she nurtures her passion for animal care, riding horses and working as a Veterinary Technician. Art holds a special place in Hannah’s heart. Known in the classroom for her pursuit of new artistic techniques, Hannah’s persistence and ambition are hallmarks of her character. As she anticipates the future, Hannah is enthusiastic about continuing her journey in the arts.
Jaylyn-Rose Rodriguez – Literary Arts
During her time in high school, Jaylyn has demonstrated a passion for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing. She has published some of her work in the school’s literary magazine
and, most recently, in the Young Writer’s book of 100-word stories, SOS Sagas: Hunted. After completing her initial studies at a Connecticut
State Community College, Jaylyn hopes to continue cultivating her craft by pursuing English and Creative Writing at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Lael Ali Atti – IT/Visual Arts
Lael is in the Information Technologies shop at Windham Tech. Along with his interest in computers, Lael is very interested in animation and digital media art. He has been independently studying drawing, anatomy, and
figure drawing by practicing both tradition methods and digital media.
Lael is a self-motivated learner who has learned several languages on his own. Lael won
the Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Award. Next year, he will continue his study of computers and art as he pursues a degree at the
University of Connecticut. Lael’s efforts and amazing work ethic have earned him a full academic tuition scholarship at UConn.
Ella Johnston – Performing Arts
Ella Johnston is a senior, bass player, and theater director at E.O. Smith High School.
After learning to read music during years of piano lessons, Ella was recruited to play double bass in the fifth grade by the orchestra teacher. Ella also participates in the EOS Drama Club. Ella became enthralled by the
performances of theater and became active in the Drama Club as a techie, working behind the scenes on props and set design. This year, Ella directed the play CLUE, and worked diligently to bring the iconic play to life. Next year, Ella is going to the University of Glasgow to study sociology, philosophy, and music.
