Fine Arts Center celebrates six students as YoungArts National Competition award winners
January 8, 2025
(Left to Right): Mary B. Mays, Ronnie Elliott, Anna Cassell, William Armstrong, Taylor Marie Robinson, Lillie Markel
The Fine Arts Center announced that six students have been honored as winners in the prestigious YoungArts National Competition. Six Fine Arts Center students were also selected last year for this widely recognized program that identifies and nurtures accomplished young artists throughout their careers.
Out of thousands of student artist applications, the following students have been recognized for their exceptional technique, strong sense of artistry, and depth of thinking that exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. These students also received a monetary prize of $250.
1. William Armstrong – Jazz/Piano
2. Anna Cassell – Visual Arts
3. Ronnie Elliott – Jazz/Guitar
4. Mary B. Mays – Visual Arts
5. Lillie Markel – Creative Writing
6. Taylor Marie Robinson – Voice
William Armstrong was also recognized in 2023. Additionally, Anna Cassell was named a YoungArts Award Winner with Distinction. This title recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique and a strong, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view. Winners are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week, where their work will be further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000, and they will have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside industry leaders and their peers.
“The Fine Arts Center is proud to have six students receive this recognition for the second straight year. The YoungArts Award and YoungArts Award with Distinction are incredibly competitive honors,” shared Vee Popat, Director of the Fine Arts Center. “These awards reflect the dedication and hard work not only of our exceptional students, the mentorship they receive at the FAC, and the support from Greenville County Schools.”
The first arts high school in South Carolina, the Fine Arts Center prepares dedicated students for 21st-century careers through rigorous, pre-professional arts training in dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative learning environments. Learn more by visiting fineartscenter.net.
