KING CITY — Carlos Acevedo from King City High School has been awarded a College Arts Scholarship from the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC).
Acevedo is one of 15 graduating high school seniors in Monterey County to receive the scholarship this year, and is the only student from South Monterey County. All awardees are pursuing a higher education in the arts.
“My biggest goal in the next upcoming years is to attend a four-year institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree in fine arts while taking psychology courses,” Acevedo said. “Obtaining a brief background in both the fine arts and psychology institute can help me pursue my desired career as an art therapist.”
According to Arts4MC, the scholarships — ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 — are instrumental in empowering the youth of Monterey County to “follow their artistic dreams post-graduation, fostering their contribution to the vibrant local creative scene and rich artistic heritage of Monterey County.”
All applications were reviewed by an independent panel of jurors, which included Michael Houston, Andrew Jackson, Brian McKee, Benjamin Bruce and Kathleen Bellesiles.
Professions pursued by this year’s scholarship recipients include animator, art therapist, architect, choral teacher, dancer, film director, graphic designer, illustrator, multi-disciplinary artist, video game or movie concept artist, visual arts teacher and writer.
“We are thrilled to support all these students pursuing degrees in creative fields,” said Jacquie Atchison, executive director of Arts4MC. “We truly believe that art work is real work. Investing in these students today means investing in a thriving arts community in the future.”
In addition to Acevedo, the other 2024 College Arts Scholarship recipients are: Dania Garcia-Castillo from Alisal High School; Charlotte Felsing from Carmel High School; Melissia Campo and Vedder Rivard from Monterey High School; Jonathan King and Edzna Vega from North Monterey County High School; Brianna Benitez and Andrea Rangel Hernandez from North Salinas High School; Dayci Dishny, Charlotte Deegan, Emily Keller and Grant Stapleton from Pacific Grove High School; Yezenia Chavarria from Salinas High School; and Hayden Henry from Monterey County attending Watsonville High School.
To learn more about the Arts Council for Monterey County and the College Art Scholarships, visit arts4mc.org/scholarships.
