VENICE — The Venice Institute for Performing Arts named the recipients of its 2023-2024 Fellowship Award, scholarships, and the Volunteer of the Year.
The awards were presented at VIPA’s end-of-year banquet, celebrating the dedication and contributions of apprentices, community members and staff.
The VIPA Fellowship Award was presented to Chris Riley, the director of the Venice High School Orchestra Program. This annual award, which includes a $1,000 grant, recognizes individuals who embody VIPA’s mission.
The recipient is chosen by a vote from the VIPA staff and board members.
“We are thrilled to honor Mr. Riley for his exceptional contributions to music education,” said Derek Blankenship, the VIPA executive director. “This grant is a testament to his hard work and passion for the arts, and we hope it aids him in continuing his invaluable work.”
Riley thanked VIPA.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the VIPA Fellowship Award this year,” he said. “It means so much to me to work with individuals that value our orchestra program and the performing arts community. I plan to use the grant for educational resources for my students.”
Mary Anne Costanzo received the inaugural VIPA Volunteer of the Year Award, a new recognition established to honor volunteers who go above and beyond in their support of VIPA and VPAC.
She was chosen by the VIPA staff.
Two apprentices, Mars Vance and Emma McGill, were awarded the VIPA Apprentice Fellow Scholarships. These $1,000 scholarships are given annually to graduating seniors based on merit and need, as determined by a vote from the VIPA staff.
Mars will pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering, while Emma will study chemistry with aspirations to become a pharmacologist.
Marcia Hill was honored with the VIPA Appreciation Award, “a special recognition for her exceptional support of VIPA, the VPAC, and its patrons,” a press release stated.
This award, which includes a $500 grant, is not given annually but was deemed necessary this year to acknowledge Marcia’s extraordinary contributions, according to the press release.
Completion certificates were awarded to apprentices in three categories: Juniors who completed one year and are eligible to apply for a second year in the program; one-year seniors who completed the program in their senior year; and two-year seniors who completed both their junior and senior years, taking on leadership roles.
The 2023-2024 Apprentice Class includes:
Bryce WarshanyCharlie Manrique DouglasCole DuncanEmma McGillGianna WeerasooriyaJulia WhittakerKatelin LaneMars VanceMarisa FordhamSienna PineroThomas SingeisenTrenton Burge
For more information about VIPA, visit: VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com
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