Penn State Wilkes-Barre students who received academic awards through Arts at Hayfield are, from left: Kyler Burke, Anna Smagin, Jenna Vincenti and James Matysik.
DALLAS, Pa. — Four Penn State Wilkes-Barre students received academic awards this year through Arts at Hayfield, the nonprofit campus and community-arts organization.
The organization recognized the students who were chosen during a brunch held at AppleTree Terrace at Newberry Estate on Nov. 12. Annual awards, which come with a financial stipend, are granted to academically and artistically accomplished students who demonstrate their commitment to the arts by submitting a detailed application that outlines their interest in the arts. Applicants are asked to describe their experiences and opinions about being a scholar and express their personal thoughts about becoming a valued member of society and how they see themselves contributing to their community in the future, based not only on academic achievements, but also on personal interests including support of the arts. All applications are carefully evaluated by the Arts at Hayfield scholarship committee.
Students who were selected for this year’s awards are Kyler Burke, an English major, and Jenna Vincenti, an English major, who each received $1,000 Irene Thomas Academic Awards; Anna Smagin, a criminal justice major, who received an honorable mention award of $600; and James Matysik, majoring in history, who received an honorable mention award of $400.
Arts at Hayfield regularly donates to public media resources and arts organizations such as WVIA, F.M. Kirby Center, NEPA Chamber Music Society, Back Mountain Memorial Library, and the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Friedman Art Gallery, in addition to the annual awards.
Since the organization’s founding in 1984, its members have pursued a mission of promoting the arts for all members of the community to experience and enjoy. They provide opportunities for local performers, musicians, crafters, artists and artisans at various events, including an annual summer festival and holiday craft show, and continue to form networks of individuals who are interested in helping to promote the arts.
