VISUAL ARTS ENDOWMENT

The Visual Arts Endowment funds the Visual Arts Scholarship designed for CHS students pursuing a collegiate degree in Art, Graphic Design, Structural or Construction Engineering, Interior Design or Architecture.

CHS seniors now have the opportunity to vie for a newly developed Visual Arts Scholarship. The Visual Arts Scholarship, which has been established through an endowment with the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, was established as an annual $2,500 scholarship award in May of 2009.

John Wald (CHS Class of 1985) and his wife Anastasia provided an initial $25,000 endowment gift for the Visual Arts Scholarship Endowment. The initial funds were given for two main reasons. First and foremost, John and Anastasia understand the ever-growing need for scholarship opportunities for college-bound students. And, secondly, the scholarship honors the remarkable teachers in Aberdeen Public Schools, such as John's former teacher, Mr. Thomas Butch.

John, who is a partner with Klai Juba Architects located in Las Vegas, commented, "We wanted to create something that would provide funding for years to come, as well as honor the teachers of these interests, knowing that funding and tools for education in these fields of study are typically not a priority in rural areas. Mr. Butch played an instrumental role in my desire and discipline in being able to achieve my childhood dream of becoming an architect."

 

Dr. Gary Harms, past Superintendent of Aberdeen Public Schools stated, "I’m simultaneously gratified and overwhelmed that John and Anastasia are so generously promoting Fine Arts within our school district. We are grateful for their gift that will forever provide wonderful scholarship opportunities to our students."

Click here for for the Visual Arts Scholarship Application.

The goal for the Visual Arts Scholarship Endowment
is to reach a funding target of $75,000.

As of December 31, 2023. . .
The Visual Arts Endowment balance has reached $58,291!

For more information or to make a donation to the Visual Arts Scholarship Endowment, please contact the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation at 605-725-7118 or Gretchen.Sharp@k12.sd.us.