My son, Jay Shannon was an artist. Since he was a young boy his loves were science fiction (he was a huge Star Wars fan), nature, and animation. His art is a reflection of these things. He was also a collector of Star Wars memorabilia. When he became an adult his interests grew and he became very interested in politics and would love discussing the issues and people in politics. On the fun side, he loved karaoke. He did not have a great voice but he loved music all kinds and enjoyed singing. This is only a small part of who Jay was.
To honor his memory, my husband Jim and I started the Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship. This is the second year for this award and we hope to continue this for many years to come. It is designed for a Trumbull High School senior who would like to pursue a higher education in the field of art. This student may or may not be at the top of their class. The most important criteria is the love and desire for a future career in art.
A quote from Frank Lloyd Wright: “If you ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it… But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.” The Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is our small investment in beauty.
This year’s recipient of the Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is a student who enjoys drawing, music, outdoor activities, and ceramics and has done volunteering at the Trumbull Senior Center and the Beardsley Zoo. This individual is a member of the ski club and Future Farmers of America club. This person will be studying Photography at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley College.
I am very pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is Steven Sikora. |
