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Coral Springs Craft Guild Awards $2,000 in Scholarships to Talented High School Seniors

Stephanie Kraft and Gianna Welsh, Jaqueline Lieberman, Michelle Kefford, Stephanie Kraft, Samantha Noel and Marilyn McMullan, Stephanie Kraft and Jess Fele {Coral Springs Craft Guild}

The Coral Springs Craft Guild has awarded $2,000 in scholarships to three local high school seniors for their exceptional artistic achievements, continuing a 42-year tradition of supporting young artists.

Since the program’s inception, the Guild has granted more than $67,000 in scholarships to help budding creatives pursue their dreams.

This year, the Guild received 31 scholarship entries, each student submitting three original pieces ranging from ceramics and digital art to drawing, costume design, and crochet. Judging took place on April 23, 2025, with Guild members evaluating nearly 90 works of art.

First Place: Jess Fele, Coral Glades High School

The top prize of $1,000 was awarded to Jess Fele, a Coconut Creek resident and Coral Glades High School student. Fele submitted a striking ceramics collection inspired by Greek mythology.

According to their AP Art teacher, Fele has been a standout student for four years, demonstrating creativity, dedication, and leadership within the school and wider community. Their work has been featured in several district exhibitions, including the Youth Art Month Art Show, Broward Art All-Star Exhibit, (Un)Natural Selection Exhibit, and the Superintendent’s Gallery. Fele has received multiple accolades, including second place in the Superintendent’s AP Studio Art Exhibit and an Arts for the Future Scholarship.

Fele plans to attend Florida State University this fall to continue their artistic journey.

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Second Place: Samantha Noel, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

The $500 Michele Pennetti Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Samantha Noel of Coral Springs, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student. Noel submitted three emotionally powerful and technically refined drawings, each completed over several days.

Her AP Art teacher praised her for exploring complex themes with maturity and depth, creating art that resonates personally and emotionally. Noel’s talent has earned her several distinctions, including second place out of 2,400 participants in the 2023 National School Breakfast “Cool Tropics Art Design” Contest and first place in the 2024 Broward County Schools Literacy Fair’s “Poetry Movie Poster” competition.

Noel, who was surprised by Guild leaders with the award at her school on May 13, will pursue a BA in Immersive Experience Design at the University of Central Florida and dreams of launching her own art business.

Third Place: Gianna Welsh, Coral Springs Charter School

Gianna Welsh, a Margate resident attending Coral Springs Charter School, received the $500 Sky Belcher Memorial Scholarship for her detailed graphite still-life drawings, each representing a family member.

Welsh plans to study business with a minor in art at Broward College. Her goal is to open a community coffee shop that doubles as a gallery space to showcase local artists’ work, including her own.

She was awarded at the Coral Springs Charter School Senior Awards Ceremony on May 20.

The Coral Springs Craft Guild continues to support young artists who use their talents to enrich their communities and schools. Through these scholarships, the Guild honors creativity, celebrates local talent, and invests in the future of the arts.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.