Lenore Masterson Memorial Arts Scholarship

About the Scholarship
The Lenore Masterson Memorial Arts Scholarship honors the legacy of Lenore Masterson, who believed that art education is essential to lifelong learning. She recognized the profound impact that artistic expression has on personal development, innovation, and cultural appreciation.
Lenore’s passion for the arts was expansive, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including:
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music (Instrumental & Vocal), Dance, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Textiles, Photography, Architecture, Film, Pottery, Sculpture, Woodworking.
Through this scholarship, Lenore’s vision lives on by supporting aspiring artists and creatives who are passionate about their craft. This opportunity seeks to empower students to further their artistic pursuits and contribute to the vibrant world of creative expression.
Scholarship Amount
Two (2) scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually to qualified graduating seniors.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1) Must be a graduating senior attending Marina High School or any accredited high school within Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD).
2) Must reside in Marina, California.
3) Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8.
4) Must plan to attend an accredited 2–4-year college, trade school, or vocational program upon graduation.
Scholarship funds will be awarded upon verification of college or program enrollment.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
1) Completed scholarship application.
2) An official transcript verifying GPA eligibility.
3) At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member at their current school.
4) Proof of volunteer hours with a local non-profit organization.
5) A one-page personal statement responding to the question: “Describe your interest in the arts and how it has impacted your life.” The response must be typewritten and include a heading with the applicant’s name, address, and telephone number.
Application Deadline
April 4, 2025
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About Lenore Masterson
Lenore Masterson spent her life as an artist, a volunteer, and a Lion as a member of Lions International. She was raised in a military family and, as a result, lived throughout the United States and Europe. But when she and her husband, Mike, arrived in Marina, they knew they had found their permanent home.
By the time they arrived in Marina, Lenore had honed her leadership skills. She focused those skills on civic activities and organizations. She spent many years fundraising to purchase the land where the library sits and spent countless hours campaigning for a bond measure to build the Marina Library. She continued to work to benefit the library as a member of the Friends of Marina Library.
Lenore was a multitasker. While working on that project, arts programs in our schools were being cut, so she stepped up again and partnered with others as a true leader. The result was Marina Youth Arts. She was its first and only President until her passing in 2023.
She was active in Marina Lions and a longtime commissioner on the Marina Recreation and Cultural Commission.
As a result of her contributions to the city, she was recognized for her service by being honored as Marina’s Woman of the Year and then with the Lifetime of Service Award.