Julia Krizan Scholarship Fund for the Arts

One of the most meaningful ways to memorialize someone for their life’s passion is through a scholarship fund to support those striving towards something similar.

Erik Martire, Interim K-12 School Counseling Curriculum Leader with the Shelton Public Schools, described the impact that funds like the Julia Krizan Scholarship Fund for the Arts have on students. “The Shelton community has an amazing tradition of giving back to its graduates,” he said. “The people behind these funds are creating opportunities for our young people while, at the same time, demonstrating the value of furthering their education.”

The Julia Krizan Scholarship Fund for the Arts was established by Shelton High School (SHS) graduates, Lawrence and Leonard Krizan, to honor their mother, Julia, who was an accomplished fine artist. In supporting her passion for the arts, the brothers decided that the scholarship should benefit a graduating SHS senior who shows outstanding artistic promise.

After Lawrence passed away in 2019, his ex-wife made a contribution to this fund as a testament to how meaningful the scholarship was to him. Because of this kind gesture, the fund became endowed at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) and will support graduating SHS art students in perpetuity.

Erik explained, “The VCF staff was very helpful in walking me through the process. The Krizan Scholarship is our largest individual art recognition award with an annual distribution of $1,000 to a single student.”

Acknowledging the contributions and skills of students is a priority at the school. “We have a small but incredibly dedicated art staff that is proud to showcase our students,” Erik added. “An award such as the Krizan Scholarship provides them with the ability to do something special.”

“Paying for college has become quite an intimidating proposal,” Erik said. “Fortunately, we are able to make quite a big statement when we connect students with opportunities that can lessen their financial burden in continuing their education.”

Erik appreciates the Krizan family’s dedication to valuing the arts in the Shelton community. “I grew up in Shelton and love the history behind our scholarships,” he continued. “It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the people who make both our town and school community truly special.”

He concluded, “On behalf of the SHS community and the future students who will continue to be presented with new opportunities, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Krizan family for establishing this fund.”

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