Local Students Honored With Arts Scholarships

MILFORD, CT—The Milford Arts Council (MAC) announced that four local student artists - all high school graduates - have been named the recipients of MAC Endowment Scholarships based on their interest and talent in the arts and academic success, MAC said in a release.

The students and their mothers met Thursday at the MAC's downtown Milford venue, 40 Railroad Ave. S., to network and share their future goals.

Two students from John Law High School and one apiece from Platt Tech and Foran High earned this year's grants, which are funded by the generosity of benefactors.

"It's a joy to do this each year as part of our mission to provide audiences, students and artists with opportunities and experiences in the arts to enlighten, enrich and entertain," said Paige Miglio, executive director for the MAC. "We are amazed by the talent in our area, and we love to encourage young creativity and energy and watch it grow.

"The MAC Endowment was established to promote and nurture the arts in Milford and surrounding communities, helping the community to thrive."

The recipients of the endowments are:

• Kailani Banasik, a graduate of Platt Tech, who will be attending Montserrat College of Art in Salem, Massachusetts. Banasik will be majoring in illustration, and said she hopes to learn more techniques like 3D and CADD while in college.

"I always grew up with art," Banasik said. "When I was young, my dad did airbrushing, so I guess it's just in my blood."

• Maria Abruzzo, who graduated from Jonathan Law High School, plans to major in visual art at the University of Hartford. She hopes to pursue a career in illustration.
• Sarah Paulus also graduated from Jonathan Law High School. She is headed to the Savannah (GA.) College of Art & Design, where she will major in photography and graphic design. Paulus said she has been an avid photographer since she got her first camera at the age of 13.
• Joshua Bernardo is a Foran High School graduate who will be headed to Wellesley or the University of the Arts. He plans to study animation.

"We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and wish them all the best in their future endeavors," said Jacqueline Munk, chairman of the MAC Endowment Committee.