NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Sylvan Hills High School (SHHS) is excited to announce that senior Emma Taylor is one of 36 winners in Thea Foundation’s 2024/2025 scholarship competition. Inspired by the theme “Fluidity,” 300 students from across Arkansas applied for a chance at part of the $219,000 worth of scholarships. Taylor was awarded $3000 for her creative writing entry.
"It was a pleasure to witness the wide-ranging talent of the many young artists who entered the Thea scholarship competition this year. The arts are alive and well in Arkansas! I am excited to see what the future holds for this exceptional group of talented students,” stated judge Tye Love, Assistant Artistic Director, Oklahoma City University.
The other five categories include performing arts, visual arts, film and fashion. The complete list of the 36 scholarship-winning students who received support to pursue higher education beginning in fall 2025 along with samples of their work can be found on Thea Foundation’s website. A majority of Thea Foundation’s scholarships are endowed. The name(s) or organization attributed with the endowment are also listed on the website.
For the 2025-2026 scholarship competition, the foundation will not limit applicants with a specific theme. Instead, students are encouraged to submit work that best reflects their unique talents and creativity. Rising seniors interested in applying must submit their applications and artwork by January 11, 2026. For detailed guidelines and additional information, please visit theafoundation.org/scholarships.
The annual competitions are for Arkansas graduating high school seniors, and remain a key resource for helping young people across the state receive financial support for higher education. Each of the five arts-based competitions provide Arkansas seniors with an opportunity to secure funding for college based on their talent alone. The organization’s first scholarship was awarded in 2002. The program is endowed and has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students since its inception.
About Thea Foundation
Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of our youth. Three programs are implemented statewide to support this mission—Thea Scholarships, Art Closet and Arts Reconstruction. Since 2002, Thea Foundation has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students and provided more than $2.3 million in art supplies and creative materials to underfunded schools through our Art Closet program. In addition, Arts Reconstruction is our focused effort to help teachers receive professional development and supplies to enable a better platform to advance in their own careers and schools. Our collective aim is to enrich young minds through the power of the Arts. Named for the daughter of Paul and Linda Leopoulos, Thea Foundation carries on the legacy of Thea Kay Leopoulos, who thrived academically, socially and emotionally thanks to her artistic pursuits. More at theafoundation.org, @TheaFoundation or Thea Foundation Blog.