For Maya Johnson ’25 and Isabella Nguyen ’25, it has been an achievement-filled start to their final semester of high school. The two Concert Belles were among the 10 Arkansas high school seniors who were awarded a Thea Foundation performing arts scholarship in January. Additionally, Maya and Isabella were selected to the 2025 Arkansas Choral Directors Association All-State Choir, a distinction that sets them apart as some of the top high school choral performers in the state.
Inspired by the theme “Fluidity,” 300 students from high schools across Arkansas applied for a chance at part of the $219,000 worth of scholarships in the Thea Foundation’s 2024-2025 competition. As the first place winner in the performing arts category, Isabella was awarded the top $10,000 scholarship. Maya, who placed eighth in the same category, won a $3,000 scholarship. A total of 36 Arkansas seniors were awarded scholarships in five different categories, including performing arts, visual arts, creative writing, film and fashion.
“It was a pleasure to witness the wide-ranging talent of the many young artists who entered the Thea scholarship competition this year. The arts are alive and well in Arkansas! I am excited to see what the future holds for this exceptional group of talented students,” stated judge Tye Love, assistant artistic director and professor of dance at the Oklahoma City University.
Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of Arkansas’ youth. Its annual arts-based competition remains a key resource for helping graduating high school seniors across the state receive financial support for higher education. The organization has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships since its inception in 2001.
On February 7, just a week after learning about their Thea Foundation scholarships, Maya and Isabella competed in prepared music and sight reading at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro against hundreds of the state’s best high school singers for a place in this year’s All-State Choirs. Maya received soprano II 1st chair as well as a perfect score in sight reading, and Isabella received soprano II 3rd chair. This is the third straight year for Maya to receive this honor and the fourth for Isabella. Fellow Concert Belles Kylie Byrne ’25 and Perrin Kuhn ’26 each qualified to audition for this year’s All-State Choirs, too.
As part of this year’s All-State Choir, Maya and Isabella will spend February 20-22 in Hot Springs at the All-State Music Conference. They will participate in intense rehearsals alongside the state’s other top choral performers, directed by some of the country’s most prestigious and acclaimed choir directors, including Dr. Jeffery Ames, director of choral activities and professor within Belmont University’s School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will conclude with a public concert at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, showcasing the music the students learned as well as their incredible talent.
Congratulations, Maya and Isabella!
