Smith-Cox Art Education Major Scholarship for recognized excellence.  LoPresto said the

scholarship was a dream come true for someone who has loved art from the time she was able to

hold a crayon.

“I would constantly draw wild things from my over-active 4-year-old imagination that grew

and progressed over the years,” LoPresto said.  “Art is a process that involves constantly going

above and beyond what you are comfortable or good at doing.  Creativity is stretching those

limits.”

The South Carolina Art Education Association awarded LoPresto the scholarship, worth

$1,000, at an annual conference in Beaufort, S.C.  The scholarship recognizes excellence for art

education majors who are student teaching.

“I feel extremely honored to be the recipient of such an exclusive, esteemed scholarship

such as this,” she said. “It is rewarding, in my mind, to know that other people can see the hard

work that I have put forth personally and professionally.”

LoPresto said student teaching has been both a rewarding and challenging experience.  She

explained that when she began the teaching process, she was unsure of herself and her ability to

instruct.  However, LoPresto added, she has since come full circle in her self-confidence.

found most rewarding of all is the day-to-day interaction and influence I have on these students

at the fifth and sixth grade level.  They are so easily impressionable at this age.”

LoPresto’s pursuits as an art major have also taken her across the globe to countries such as

Ecuador and England.

Howard Frye, art professor and coordinator of the art education program, gave LoPresto the

opportunity to research the Day of the Dead holiday in Ecuador through a Quality Enhancement

Plan (QEP) grant.  During her time in Ecuador, she visited studios, interacted with natives and

experienced their customs for the holiday firsthand.

LoPresto credits the trip with broadening her cultural outlook and influencing her choice to

study abroad in England.

While in England, she did an independent study of studio art in Leicester.  LoPresto said the

project taught her self-discipline on a professional level.

“I became such an independent person, learning to survive for four months, traveling around

foreign countries….it brings independence to a whole new level and was really telling of what I

am able to achieve on my own,” she said.

Among other achievements, LoPresto has won first place at the Peach Belt Conference Art

Show for two consecutive years.  This was something that, despite her dedication and skill, she

said she was surprised to obtain.

“I never expected to win any award in that show,” LoPresto said.  “I think it provided me

with enough encouragement to pursue future exhibitions and have confidence in my artistic

ability.”