Manjie Sikdar Scholarship Recipient

Hi I’m Scarlett Ramirez and I’m graduating from Lane Tech and will be counting my journey at Illinois UIUC studying Music-Education. I’ve loved music/singing since I was a child, however, my biggest obstacle has always been my anxiety. Whether my crippling stage fright or social anxiety.  Music and  choir allowed me to grow my voice, confidence and who I am as a person. It allowed me to help guide and mentor other from peers in choir to President of glee club I love even more than preforming is being able to help,mentor, and create community with others which is why I’m studying music education in hopes to be a choir teacher myself and I am so excited to continue my journey! 

Lia graduated from Dyett High School for the Arts where she demonstrated both her academic and artistic prowess. Her schedule consisted of both honors and AP courses, as well as dual enrollment classes with Harold Washington College. Lia found her passion for theater in high school, and she worked to quickly develop her skills and become a talented actor. Her motivation was the outlet that theater provided for expression, of both her personality and emotion. The stage became a safe space where Lia learned to have confidence in herself in all facets of her life. Lia hopes to continue her journey as an actor in college.  She attends Howard University, where she will major in theater.