Fine Arts Scholarships Awarded to Eliza Hoffman ’23 and Rowan MacClenahan ’25, in Memoriam

Two Upper School students were presented with special scholarship awards yesterday, January 12, during chapel. Eliza Hoffman ’23 was the recipient of the Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award and Rowan MacClenahan ’25 was the recipient of the Richard Buckley Jacques Award.

 

The Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award was established in memory of Chris Ferrell ’89 and is given to one or more members of the sophomore, junior, or senior class who have demonstrated outstanding gifts and performances in the Fine Arts. This award was first given in 1990-91 and was presented this year by Upper School Vocal Music Instructor, Todd Monsell. “This year’s recipient has left an impression on all of the Fine Arts teachers who have had the pleasure of working with her,” said Mr. Monsell. Sean Closz, former Middle School Choir teacher, described her as “a kind soul who loved to help others, willingly mentored younger singers, consistently went out of her way to make others feel welcome, and worked selflessly for the good of the choir family.” Her Upper School Drama teacher, Reed Halvorson, calls her enthusiasm “infectious” and says, “It has been an absolute honor to have worked with her these last four years and I can think of no one better to be honored with this award.”

 

Mr. Monsell closed by sharing, “I was introduced to this student in 2021 and it did not take me long to realize that her passion and zeal for singing is matched by very few. With her strong vocal ability, leadership in the alto section, quirky sense of humor, and genuine care for her fellow singers, she is a friend to all and the type of student every choral director would love to have.” Fellow musician, thespian, and senior, Mackenzie Grubb ’23, shared some remarks about Eliza, reflecting on her friend and partner-in-crime, and the joy she brings to the whole arts community at CCES.

 

The Richard Buckley Jacques Award is given in honor of Richard Buckley Jacques '07, a legacy and 13-year veteran of Christ Church Episcopal School. Buckley was well loved for his sense of humor and adventurous spirit. He enjoyed travel, history, and playing basketball, but found a sense of purpose in the creative arts, especially digital design. This award, given for the fourth year in a row in his memory, recognizes an Upper School student who demonstrates exceptional talent in the graphics field, whether in photography, film, web design, or other digital media. Upper School Digital Media Teacher, Owen Riley, presented the award to Rowan, describing her as “a serious and disciplined student of art.” He noted her “careful and intense concentration in revealing the overlooked details of life in her image-making while her travel photography presents beauty and decisive moments of action that make her photos stand out from the mundane.”

 

Rowan’s friend, classmate, and fellow artist, Ace Pohl ’25, spoke on her behalf. He reflected on their friendship that goes way back, how gifted she is creativity, and the high quality of her work.

 

The arts scholarship awards allows CCES to recognize and celebrate the gifts and talents of both current students and those who have gone before us.