SVHS Student Wins Arts Award

A a 17-year-old Sonoma Valley High School senior won the Sonoma 2013 Student Creative Arts Award, local media reported.

Maya Smoot, who designed the set for this weekend's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at SVHS and stars as Bella, was chosen from a field of 12 candidates. She wins a prize of $2,000 from the Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission.

The Sonoma Press Democrat quoted commission member Lisa Carlsson as saying, “We were thrilled by the caliber of candidates we interviewed this year. It is a joy to see such talent in the valley.”

The commission was "blown away" by the Shakespearean dialogue Maya performed, Carlsson said.

Maya wrote in her application essay that she sees theater in her future, the Sonoma Valley Sun reported.

“I could be an actress, stage manager, set designer, or director,” she wrote.

Check out the YouTube video on the left where Maya talks about her love of the arts.

The Creative Arts Award is open to Sonoma Valley students who are 16-22 years old and are showing talents in literary, visual or performing arts.

Catch the SVHS production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 pm. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Find ticket information here.