Fox Valley Beaux Arts announces 2025 scholarship winners

Fox Valley Beaux Arts is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that fosters the arts in the Fox Valley area. Founded in 1984, Beaux Arts has offered support to students, families, and art groups since its inception. They recently presented ten Elgin area students with college scholarships valuing a total of $20,000.

“Our club’s mission is to elevate the arts through area youth scholarships, community art support and lifelong learning. We invite and encourage Elgin and surrounding area high school seniors going on to major or minor in the arts in higher education to apply for our scholarships” said Susan Pepa, co-president. “We are proud to continue our tradition and award these amazing creative students.”

The ten scholarship recipients all intend to pursue the arts in their areas of talent and interest this fall. The students are:

• Haley Dahlem, Bartlett High School (Painting, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana)
• Addison Kuttnauer, Larkin High School in Elgin (Dance, North Central College)
• Sofia Lopez, Larkin High School in Elgin (Drawing, Painting, Illinois State University)
• Ezra Maras, Elgin Academy (Violin, Elgin Community College)
• Mason Marquez, Bartlett High School (Drawing, Game Design, Columbia College)
• Elliot McGowan, Larkin High School in Elgin (Drama, Truman State University)
• Ruby Montgomery, South Elgin High School (Vocal, University of Wisconsin, Madison)
• Abigail Sanders, Bartlett High School (Drawing, Painting, Carroll University)
• Amy Skrabacz, South Elgin High School (Clarinet, St. Ambrose University)
• Tanya Suarez, Bartlett High School (Graphics, Photography, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design)

“Major support for our scholarship donations is raised through our popular annual luncheon event,” said Loretta Heuer, vice-president. “We are pleased to announce that the Fox Valley Beaux Arts fundraiser ‘Lunch at Tiffany’s’ will take place this year on Saturday, September 13 at the Elgin Country Club. In addition to a luncheon, we will feature a Fashion Show by Chico's, raffles, and a silent auction. The monies raised will fund next year's talented recipients." For more information about this event, please contact Susan Carroll-Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts members consist of a wide range of women who are engaged or support the arts and who reside throughout the Fox Valley area. Members of this year's Board of Directors are Susan Pepa and Cheryl Hallquist, co-Presidents; Loretta Heuer, Vice-President; Florence Ostdick, Corresponding Secretary; Katie McBride, Recording Secretary; Mary McCarthy, Treasurer; Marge Haefliger and Chris Womac, Programs; Rose Engle and Barb McGee, Scholarships; Cheryl Hallquist, Membership; Rose Engle, Publicity/Communications.

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Cheryl Hallquist at cherylhallquist@att.net.