Meraux Foundation Provides Scholarships for St. Bernard Students to Attend Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Camp

The Meraux Foundation has committed $40,000 to the Interlochen Center for the Arts to establish the Meraux Foundation Camp Scholarship and the Meraux Foundation Camp Scholarship Support Fund, which enabled St. Bernard Parish Public School students to attend camp at Interlochen this summer.

As part of the Meraux Foundation's mission to support arts in education, the scholarships provided students with the opportunity to engage in an immersive arts experience that fosters their creativity, growth, and appreciation for the arts. 

Meraux Foundation President Rita Gue stated, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Interlochen to provide young artists from St. Bernard with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My Aunt Arlene Meraux, our Foundation's founder, was deeply committed to investing in the growth and development of young people. Through this scholarship program, we honor her vision and provide St. Bernard Parish students with access to exceptional arts education opportunities.”

“The arts empower us to think critically, collaborate, and communicate effectively. This scholarship has not only provided St. Bernard students with a platform to pursue their passions but is also opening doors to endless possibilities,” she said.

Interlochen, founded in 1928, has been a cherished retreat for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Located in northwest Michigan, Interlochen's picturesque campus, nestled between pristine lakes and tranquil pines, offers an immersive environment that inspires creativity and fosters a sense of closeness among its participants. The arts education programs at Interlochen are designed for students in grades 3-12, as well as adults of all ages, providing transformative experiences that nurture artistic skills and promote personal growth.

Interlochen Partnership Coordinator Hanna Charrette said, “The impact of the arts on a student's development is immeasurable. Through this scholarship, St. Bernard students have been given the incredible opportunity to explore and nurture their artistic talents, fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Meraux Foundation for their belief in the power of the arts and for investing in students’ artistic journeys."

With the establishment of the Meraux Foundation Camp Scholarship and Scholarship Support Fund, St. Bernard Parish Public School students had the opportunity to partake in the rich artistic legacy of Interlochen. This investment in their artistic development will not only shape their futures but also contribute to the flourishing arts community in St. Bernard Parish. Last summer, the Meraux Foundation invested in five local students’ participation in the camp, and this year, another group of St. Bernard students attended the camp. 

The parent of a Chalmette High School student who participated this summer, Rachel Hetler Penn, thanked the Meraux Foundation, saying, “This is certainly a tremendous opportunity for my child. Our family appreciates your generosity.”

Beyond this scholarship program, the Meraux Foundation is nurturing St. Bernard’s unique culture and investing in the arts as a growth strategy. Its flagship initiative is St. Claude Arts, a campus of galleries, studios, and venues to support artists, the arts, and community resilience. Furthermore, the Meraux Foundation has donated $1.8 million to develop the Cultural Arts Center of Chalmette High School, a world-class theatre that hosts Broadway-caliber productions. And to ensure the “show goes on,” it sponsors the St. Bernard Performing Arts Academy.

For more information about the Meraux Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.merauxfoundation.org.

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