Congratulations seniors 2011!

We are pleased to announce that six Cherry Court seniors are graduating with promising futures, all attending institutions of higher education in the fall:

Audrey B

College: University of North Carolina School of the Arts

High School: Vincentian Academy

Area of Study: Theater Design & Production

Background: In-depth study “Set Design” at Cherry Court Studios; production staff at Prime Stage Theater; three professional displays in Shoppes at Northway; summer pre-college classes at CMU; set designer for Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat through Assumption Theatre Guild, 2011; set designer for Once Upon a Mattress at Vincentian Academy, 2011.

Recognition: Partial scholarship from University of North Carolina.

Christina C

College: Penn College of Technology

High School: Fox Chapel High School

Area of Study: Occupational Therapy

Background: Christina is the sunshine in our studio, bringing a smile to everyone’s face with her warm personality. She is looking forward to helping people overcome their challenges. Christina hopes that art therapy can play a part in helping children to learn new skills.

Recognition: Christina is a graduate of the Bender Leadership Academy and, as a result, is a public speaker who advocates for students with disabilities and their potential to become leaders in the workforce. In March Christina spoke on an hour-long radio show (voiceamerica.com) Disability Matters with Joyce Bender.

Elyse D

College: Savannah College of Art and Design

High School: Mars Area High School

Areas of Study: Considering a BFA in Animation or Sequential Design (character design), plus a minor in Costume Design

Background: Elyse is Cherry Court’s resident expert on dragons. Drawing dragons has blossomed into several creative interests including animation, character design, and animal character costuming. She is self-taught in the latter, and is already able to create heads with moving mouths, and full body coverings including hand and shoe paws and claws.

Recognition: Partial scholarship from Savannah College. One high school drawing was selected for publication as one of twenty-five top works entered by graduating high school seniors.

Rika K

College: Carnegie Mellon University

High School: Avonworth High School

Area of Study: BFA in Fine Arts, with a specialization in animation. Background: Rika is our expert on the history of animation. She loves (and may well own) everything Disney. In addition to Cherry Court classes, Rika’s art experiences include mural painting, theater production, band competition artist, children’s art instructor with Avalon Library, and teaching assistant at Cherry Court.

Recognition: CMU granted Rika full four-year academic funding.

Margo M

College: College for Creative Studies in Detroit Michigan

High School: Deer Lakes High School

Area of Study: BFA in Illustration

Background: Margo is not only an excellent illustrator, her interest in special effects has taken her into some exciting directions. She learned the art of creating latex masks as one of her personal projects. (The resulting zombie wolf is affectionately known as Oliver around the studio.) In addition, she is skilled at applying latex make up to anyone wishing to participate in a zombie walk. After studying illustration, Margo is not sure which direction she will go, but is thinking about the entertainment field.

Recognition: Margo’s portfolio received gold key recognition at this year’s Regional Scholastics Competition. She received a partial scholarship from the College for Creative Studies.

Rachel W

College: La Roche College

High School: Hampton High School

Area of Study: Graphic Design

Background: Rachel has earned the reputation as most creative problem solver at Cherry Court. She is also a gifted artist. To finish off her senior year, she wished to try her hand at a true graphic design campaign. She chose “Read to Your Baby” and developed an eye-catching gift-set for mothers leaving the hospital with their newborns. The kit is both fun and inspirational. Rachel is a powerful visual communicator who may one day use her skills to educate and inspire those who can make the world a better place.

Recognition: Partial merit scholarship from La Roche based on achievement at the high school level.