Henson Scholarship

Mrs. Jane Henson & Leona Lowery Fitzhugh, VPA Coordinator

In 2002, the arts wing of Northwestern High School was named after Jim Henson. The Jim Henson Legacy, under the guidance of Mrs. Jane Henson, became one of the Creative and Performing Arts Program's greatest benefactors. The Henson Legacy (New York, NY), established a scholarship fund, in Jim and Jane Henson's name, for students who continue the arts at the college level. Mrs. Jane Henson was a regular visitor and strong supporter of Northwestern’s young artists. Her death in 2013, left our school community saddened. We will continue to remember the legacy of artistry and share the passion for people that Jim and Jane Henson have left the Northwestern High School family.

The Jim Henson Scholarships are available to

Northwestern High School Seniors

who are matriculating into collegiate arts programs.

Tier 1 scholarship - $500

Tier 2 scholarship - $2000

All seniors who have a GPA of 3.0+ and who are matriculating to a college or university as an arts major or to an arts institute to further study the arts are welcome to apply.

Submissions for the school year are due no later than Friday, April 1, 2022 to leona.lowery@pgcps.org. See Mrs. Lowery in the Creative Arts Office (C325) if you have any questions, or visit: Jim Henson Scholarship Homepage

TIER 2: $2000

  • Instrumental Music: Prepare a solo recital (15-20 minutes minimum)

  • Vocal Music: Prepare a solo recital (15-20 minutes minimum)

  • Visual Art: Prepare a 15-piece digital portfolio (website or Powerpoint)

  • Media Arts: Prepare a digital portfolio (15-20 minutes)

  • Theatre: Prepare 2 contrasting monologues and a short portfolio

  • Dance: Prepare a solo recital (15-20 minutes minimum)

All applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher outside of the VPA program. In addition, all students must write a 500-word essay analyzing Jim Henson's contributions to, and legacy in, the Arts world.

TIER 1: $500

  • Instrumental/Vocal Music: Prepare a solo (2 minutes minimum)

  • Visual Art: Prepare a 5-piece digital portfolio (website or Powerpoint)

  • Media Arts: Prepare a digital portfolio (5-7 minutes)

  • Theatre: Prepare a monologue (2 minutes minimum)

  • Dance: Prepare a solo (2 minutes minimum)

All applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher outside of the VPA program. In addition, all students must write a 300-word essay analyzing Jim Henson's contributions to, and legacy in, the Arts world.

Scholarship winners will be announced Senior Awards Night.