NEW ORLEANS — The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation is pleased to announce the 18 finalists in 18 in ‘18, an arts competition showcasing the creative talents of high school juniors and their special connection to the culture of New Orleans. The Foundation chose the finalists from original essays, graphic arts, poems and videos submitted by 47 students from 21 Orleans Parish high schools.
“As we honor the Tricentennial of New Orleans, it’s important that we capture the voices from our community’s young people,” said Phyllis Taylor, president and CEO of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.
A panel of seven judges selected the 18 finalists. The grand prize winner, who will receive a cash award of $1,800 and their school $18,000, will be announced in October at the opening of the Taylor Education Center in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. The finalists will also be featured in a film produced by high school junior Kelly Yu with assistance from internationally renowned artist and design consultant Xiao Xiao.
“We encourage everyone to visit the 18 in ‘18 website where you’ll see an incredible diversity of talent and creativity from our community’s young artists,” Taylor said.
The finalists are Ella Cheramie, St. Mary’s Dominican High School; Ashley Dwyer, Isidore Newman School; Autumn France, New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School; Jillian Frazier, St. Katherine Drexel Preparatory School; Bradley Fugetta, Jesuit High School; Ava Gisleson; Raymond Green, New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School; Kathryn Mipro, Cabrini High School; Tyron Newman, Warren Easton Charter High School; Rosie Odem, McGehee School; Vivian Palmer, St. Mary’s Dominican High School; Anaiyah Saulter, Dr. King Charter School; Marisa Scarlata, Cabrini High School; Ryan Simien, Jr., New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School; Elijah Turk, The NET Charter High School; Kennedy White, Cabrini High School; Decia Williams, International High School of New Orleans; and, Tarik Wilson, Holy Cross School.
For more information about the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, visit www.pftaylorfoundation.org. To view the entries, visit www.18in18nola.com.
