SILER CITY, N.C. — Seven Jordan-Matthews High School students have been named 2026 JMArts Scholars by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, all receiving scholarships to pursue intensive fine arts study this summer.

They are: Jobanny Benitez Espinoza, Dennis Chicas Garcia, Titiana Escobar, Delaney Fuquay, Angel Johnson, Ismael Martinez and Carlos Salazar.

Scholarships are funded each year primarily through individual contributions to the foundation and donations received at concerts and other events. Most scholars choose to attend weeklong, residential workshops offered on university campuses.

This year, two students studying vocal music — Johnson and Martinez — have been named JMArts-Fearrington Village Singers Scholars thanks to a generous contribution from the community chorus composed of residents from Fearrington Village, Galloway Ridge and surrounding areas. Both will attend the UNCG Summer Music Camp (Chorus).

Two other students — Chicas Garcia and Salazar — have been named JMArts-Summer Soria Mora Scholars, honoring the Jordan-Matthews student musician and JMArts Scholar who passed away earlier this year. Chicas Garcia will be attending the Chatham Studio of Music and Performing Arts for private drum lessons. Salazar will be attending the UNCG Summer Music Camp (Band).

Escobar has been named a JMArts-NC Arts Incubator Scholar thanks to a generous contribution from the NC Arts Incubator, an organization and art space in downtown Siler City nurturing artistic, cultural and intellectual growth. She will attend the UNCG Summer Arts and Design Intensive.

Benitez Espinoza has been named a JMArts-Rotary Scholar thanks to a generous contribution from the Rotary Club of Siler City, a community service organization united to create lasting change in their world, their communities and themselves. He will be attending the Temple Theatre Teen Musical Theatre Conservatory.

Fuquay has been named a JMArts-Ruritan Scholar thanks to a generous contribution from the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, a local organization building community through fellowship, goodwill and community service. She will be attending the Temple Theatre Teen Musical Theatre Conservatory.'

“It’s wonderful to have so much support from all our community partners this year,” said JMArts President Rose Pate. “We appreciate the investment these organizations are making in the future of our young people.

Since creating the awards 14 years ago, JMArts has presented 120 scholarships to 82 students, with some receiving awards to study for more than one summer. The initiative was designed to help young artists develop their talent, explore artistic options before making their college decisions and bring what they learn back to share with other Jordan-Matthews students.

Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the JMArts Scholars program or other projects for high school artists may contact Pate at info@jmarts.org. Contributions can be made online at jmarts.org/contact using Venmo, Cash App or PayPal — and can be mailed to JMArts, PO Box 395, Siler City, NC, 27344.

More information about JMArts, including details about JMArts Scholars and upcoming events, is available at jmarts.org. Fearrington Village Singers maintain their website at fearringtonvillagesingers.org. NC Arts Incubator is online at ncartsincubator.com. Rotary Club of Siler City is located at silercityrotary.org. And Silk Hope Ruritans are at silkhopenc.org.

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