Through the 2018 Art Inspires scholarship, StriveTogether recognized five student artists for outstanding artwork reflecting StriveTogether’s vision and core values, including educational equity. The scholarship winners will receive a $1,000 college scholarship and have their work displayed at StriveTogether’s Cincinnati headquarters. Each of the five students will be highlighted on our blog.
For Memphis, Tenn., student artist Denzel Chase, the path to success is clear: Achieve his educational goals, graduate from college and earn a job in his chosen career field. This journey is reflected in Denzel’s scholarship-winning art piece, which depicts a student growing through kindergarten to his first job.
“This represents me, or anybody else who wants to succeed in their career, looking back on the progress that it took to get them there,” he shares.
Denzel, who graduated from Immaculate Conception Cathedral School in Memphis, believes that his artistic gift will help lift him into a brighter future. He plans to attend Talladega College in Talladega, Ala., to earn a degree in art illustration.
“I want to stress to my community not to make high school graduation the last point of success in your life, and to move forward onto college and, later, a better career,” Denzel said.
Denzel’s art reflects StriveTogether’s vision of the success of every child from cradle to career. In Denzel’s home community of Memphis, StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member Seeding Success upholds this vision, bringing together community partners to ensure every child graduates from high school prepared for college, career and success in life.
“Education is a key factor in attaining a better life,” Denzel said. “I want others in my community, especially young people, to be inspired by this piece of art. I want them to understand that courage is imperative to take the necessary steps, as depicted in my illustration, toward a steady career goal.”
