Scholarships

Philip Miller Purchase Awards

Columbus native, Philip R. Miller began his art teaching career in 1968 in Columbus, Indiana. In 1972, he became the first art teacher at Columbus East High School where he continued to teach for 43 years. He created the emblem of the Olympian Torch to inspire students towards excellence. He also was the first art educator at IUPUI - Columbus where he taught art appreciation, crafts & design, painting, and art education for elementary teachers. Miller loved teaching a variety of skills in 2-Dimensional Art, Art History, and Art Appreciation and believed in his student's talents and abilities. After Miller's passing in 2009, his family began the Purchase Awards in his honor. Two students will have their work nominated and chosen by a committee and their artwork is purchased to become part of the permanent art collection at Columbus East. Artwork is displayed throughout the Main Office, Attendance Office, Guidance Office, and Resource floor to continue Miller's legacy. Students who have artwork in the Spring Student Art Show are eligible for this award. Work can consist of any work completed in Visual Communications, Photography, 2D Art, and 3D Art. If you have questions, please see Mrs. Buck.

Heritage Fund

The Heritage Fund in Columbus, Indiana offers a variety of scholarships to help fund student's education. They offer three Art focused scholarships for students interested in pursuing art-related degrees at a post-secondary institution. Some scholarships will require a portfolio and will need to contact the Heritage Fund specifically for additional information about portfolio drop-off. Descriptions of each scholarship are listed below, any questions about these scholarships will need to brought to the Heritage Fund directly. You can contact Amy Laker at alaker@heritagefundbc.org if you need assistance or computer access. Heritage Fund Website: https://www.heritagefundbc.org/

• Philip R. Miller Scholarship for the Visual Arts – Established in 2009 by family and friends to honor the memory of Philip R. Miller, to promote interest and enthusiasm in the visual arts. Mr. Miller was the first art educator at Columbus East High School when the school opened in 1972, and continued in that position until his retirement in 2009. ($4000-$5000) Criteria: Graduating senior from Columbus East High School who is a current student in the art department and has completed, at the end of his/her senior year, at least three semesters of art. Students must have received an A- average in their chosen visual art discipline for the last two semesters, prior to applying. Applicants must have their portfolio evaluated by the Columbus East Art Department prior to submitting their application, and the required recommendation form must be completed by a Columbus East Art teacher. Applicant must plan to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution to study arts education or the visual arts.

• Jennifer Strietelmeier Memorial Scholarship – Established in 1993 in memory of Jennifer Strietelmeier, a dedicated supporter of the arts in Bartholomew County, who died in an automobile accident. ($100-$500) Criteria: Bartholomew County residents pursuing post-secondary school studies in the visual arts. Five examples of applicant’s artwork must be provided. Two examples should be independent work, not classroom assignments, and must be labeled as such. Artwork should be originals and delivered to the Heritage Fund office, 538 Franklin St., Columbus, IN 47201. Recommendation required from someone involved in the visual arts community not related to the applicant.

• Ann Ward Fine Arts Scholarship – Established in 2018 to honor the memory and celebrate the life of Ann Ward. Ann was a natural leader with a passion for giving back and helping others. Through this scholarship Ann’s family preserve her memory by recognizing students who exhibit her values and her love for the arts. Criteria: Graduating Bartholomew County high school senior who plans to pursue postsecondary studies at an accredited college or university with a major in the fine arts (i.e. painting, drawing, etc.). Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicant must demonstrate talent, passion for fine arts and strong work ethic. Academic performance and financial need will be considered. Letter of recommendation from art teacher/member of art faculty and sample of artistic work required. Award payments will be renewable for up to seven semesters, provided recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA at their college or university.