The Jennifer Lynn Gaddie Grant for Arts Education assists a Bardstown High School rising freshman, sophomore or junior each year who excels and has proven artistic ability in the area of music, dance, theatre, creative writing, visual arts or audio/visual production by providing financial assistance for their pursuit of further training in their chosen arts field.
Jennifer Lynn Gaddie, or Jenny, whose name means “fair lady,” demonstrated an artistic ability at a young age. Jenny loved ceramics, clothing design, drawing, and music. She touched many people’s lives with her radiant smile and her kind words of wisdom for one so young. Unfortunately, Jenny’s love of the arts didn’t have an opportunity to fully blossom as she passed away at the age of fifteen after an 18-month battle with cancer. She was a sophomore at Bardstown High School and would have graduated with the class of 1989.
The grant is sponsored by Patricia and Thomas Hart, Jenny’s mother and step-father, and Matthew L. Gaddie, Jenny’s brother and 1999 graduate of Bardstown High School. The grant is administered through the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.
Grant Amount
The grant recipient will receive an amount not to exceed $500 per year for expenses related to furthering his or her experience/education in their chosen arts field. Some examples of how the grant may be used are instruction in a particular area of art beyond what is available at Bardstown High School, camps or symposia, lessons, etc. If the Selection Committee does not deem any applicant qualified, the grant will not be awarded.
Eligible Students
- Must be a Bardstown City Schools student in line to graduate on time.
- Must show proven artistic ability in at least one of these areas of art: dance, music, theatre, creative writing, visual art, audio/visual production.
Application Review Process
Applications are due Wednesday, April 15 and should be turned in to the Guidance Counselor’s office. The following items must be included with the application:
- One page (typed and double spaced) artist statement or narrative description of what the student perceives to be his or her future in the arts.
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member of Bardstown City Schools) from individuals who are familiar with the student’s artistic ability (may not be a relative).
- Statement of financial need: The student is asked to explain the circumstances surrounding their request for financial assistance and provide specific information so that the Selection Committee can understand the financial need.
- Final candidates are asked to do a performance or presentation to the committee. Applications are reviewed by a panel of art professionals, educators, and members of the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.