We are so excited to announce the 2019/2020 recipients of the Pima County Youth Arts Award (PCYAA)! PCYAA is an opportunity for students earn a $1,000 scholarship toward an Associate Degree at Pima Community College. The Youth Arts Award is designed to identify and reward high school seniors within Pima County who demonstrate excellence in dance, music, theater, visual arts, media arts, or literary arts. Here is the list of this year’s recipients:
- Diamond Ballesteros, Eastpointe High School, Visual Arts
- Damien Hernandez, Tucson High Magnet School, Music
- Celena Moreno, Marana High School, Visual Arts
- Lucero Navarro, Cholla High School, Visual Arts
- Sydney Wayment, Ironwood Ridge High School, Visual Arts
- Jana Welch, Ironwood Ridge High School, Visual Arts
PCYAA HIGHLIGHTS:
Damien Hernandez:
“Ever since I was a young child I was interested in 3 things. The human body, playing the piano and skateboarding. I am excited to study the human body. I am and have been fascinated by how each organ plays a vital role in supporting the body and the wonders of the brain. I am also excited about advancing my knowledge in piano and strengthening my skills. I plan to enter the medical field. In the radiology department. I have not decided whether to be a Radiologist or a Radiology Technician.
I was around 8 years old when I first started to play, I would play an old keyboard that my parents had owned. I remember playing for hours everyday. At first I would play by ear, as I got more comfortable and confident in my playing ability I started watching Youtube videos and would learn different songs. I would practice endlessly till I learned a new song. Being able to play an entire song made me feel accomplished and would strengthen my drive to learn more. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I was able to take piano classes through school. During that time I learned to read the music and from that point on I was able to play any song I wished. Music is my passion, its a way for me to channel my feelings and helps me overcome life’s challenges. I find that I lose myself in the music. I love to see the joy it brings to others and the joy it brings to me. I will continue to play the piano throughout the rest of my life.”
See examples of Damien’s work here and here.
Sydney Wayment:
“In the next chapter of my future I am excited to take my first step towards my dream, which is to become an art teacher. Especially because I am grateful for the peace and inspiration art has given me throughout high school and my life, so I am thrilled to share that with others through teaching. I am most excited, of course, to study art in college, specifically painting. Currently, looking forward to the further artistic experience I will gain and many life experiences that will help me to further share my voice and perspective through my artwork.”
Artwork below by: Sydney Wayment
