Ledyard’s Art Scholars Honored

For years parents, friends and teachers have likely been singing their praises to Ledyard High School seniors Elizabeth Hooper and Steven Servedio; and recently, all their hard work, talent and scholarship was recognized and honored at the state-wide awards banquet for Scholar Artists.

The two were selected as the Ledyard High School Scholar Artists for 2012-2013 by teachers who know them and their work. Hooper and Servedio were selected for their academic and artistic achievements during their time at Ledyard High School.

Hooper was this year’s Visual Arts Scholar and she said she was chosen for her hard work and dedication to making art. Hooper said she’s serious about any project she takes on and that she always takes her projects above and beyond what is required.

“I don’t do a project if it’s not going to come out good,” she said.

Hooper plans to study Foreign Languages at the University of Rhode Island.

Servedio, who was this years Performing Arts Scholar, said he was surprised and humbled by the honor.

“I was fairly surprised because there are so many outstanding students here, I was really honored to be gifted with this award,” he said.

LHS Music Department Chair Russell Hammond said that the senior is an integral part of the music program, he works hard and he has helped others improve.
Hammond said Servedio is very involved and among many other things, he sings in the Chamber Choir, the Carolers, is a member of the a capella group Final Cut, and he is also in the Tri M Honor Society.

Servedio plans to study nursing at Central Connecticut State University.

Hammond said that although these students may not pursue the Arts in their post-secondary education, they’ve learned the healthy habits that are required for making art, like discipline, a good work ethic and being willing and able to express themselves.

“The habits of making art are central,” he said. “Those skills will help them at any point in their life.”

Each school in Connecticut selects one or two scholar artists and each year there is a banquet in their honor.