CHS Senior Scholarship Award for the Arts

$372,000 for CHS Senior

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Central High School senior Hazel Anderson’s work stood out among the top student artists in the state, earning her a spot in the Illinois High School Art Exhibition’s Senior Scholarship Exhibition and drawing scholarship offers from colleges across the country. That recognition translated into $372,000 in scholarship offers from five colleges and universities, highlighting the level of interest her work generated through the statewide exhibition.

Hazel Anderson’s artwork draws college offers at statewide exhibition

Central High School senior Hazel Anderson’s work stood out among the top student artists in the state, earning her a spot in the Illinois High School Art Exhibition’s Senior Scholarship Exhibition and drawing scholarship offers from colleges across the country.

That recognition translated into $372,000 in scholarship offers from five colleges and universities, highlighting the level of interest her work generated through the statewide exhibition.

Anderson submitted a senior portfolio for review, where colleges from across the nation evaluate student work and extend scholarship offers based on quality and creativity. Her work was selected for the Senior Scholarship Exhibition and recognized with Outstanding Achievement in Portfolio Quality / Top Scholarship Recipient honors.

The scholarship offers came from five institutions:

  • Art Academy of Cincinnati
  • Illinois Wesleyan University
  • Maine College of Art & Design
  • Millikin University
  • Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

While students ultimately choose one school, the total reflects the level of interest generated by Anderson’s work—similar to how top student-athletes receive multiple college offers during the recruitment process.

“This recognition speaks to the quiet dedication to Hazel’s craft and the artistic growth she has cultivated during her time in our program,” said Central High School Visual Arts educator Kristiana Vasil. “ Her portfolio showcases not only refined technical skills, but an authentic voice and a willingness to explore and take creative risks. We are so proud of her.”

The Illinois High School Art Exhibition includes approximately 1,000 students from more than 125 high schools each year, with over $70 million in scholarships offered collectively.

“Opportunities like this show what’s possible when students are able to develop their skills and pursue their interests at a high level,” said Dr. Brett Bending, Central High School Principal. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for Hazel and a great example of the opportunities available to students at Central High School.”

“It’s really exciting to see my work recognized at this level and to have the chance to continue studying art after high school,” Anderson said. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve had from my teachers and the opportunities I’ve had at Central.”

Anderson’s recognition is a reflection of both her individual dedication and the continued strength of Central High School’s visual arts program.

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