Two Dartmouth High seniors awarded art scholarships by Westport Art Group

Two Dartmouth High School students have been recognized for their artistic talent and dedication with $3,000 scholarships each from the Westport Art Group.

Jadah Kumor and Jenna Rock, both graduating seniors, are this year’s recipients. The awards are part of the group's annual effort, now more than 50 years strong, to support students pursuing education in the visual arts.

Jadah Kumor will begin her studies at Bristol Community College this fall, with plans to transfer to MassArt to double-major in education and jewelry design. According to the group, her selection was based on the strength of her portfolio, her commitment to her craft and a glowing recommendation letter, also noting her self-trained work in jewelry design and clear artistic vision.

Kumor described her connection to art as a way of seeing and communicating.

“To me art is a visual language, it communicates emotions, ideas and experiences,” she said. “It can challenge aspects of the world and also display the beauty of it. People who create art like myself often have a stronger appreciation for the world as we notice the little details rather than the bigger picture.”

Jenna Rock will attend UMass Dartmouth this fall to study graphic design. According to the group, her portfolio, academic record and clear career goals helped distinguish her application. Jenna hopes to work in video games or tabletop gaming — mediums that shaped her childhood and continue to inspire her.

“With the scholarship money I plan to utilize all possible paths and branches I can within the art world and supplies to push myself to be my very best creatively,” she said. “My dream is to make something as iconic as the characters and stories I grew up loving.”

As part of the scholarship, both students also receive free membership to Westport Art Group and the opportunity to exhibit their work through the organization.

“Jenna and Jadah’s compelling portfolios and certainty in their futures as artists make them exemplary recipients,” said Eileen Riley, group scholarship chairperson. “We are thrilled to support their journeys.”