Pen Women award scholarships

The group of artists met at the Bird Key Yacht Club to celebrate the seniors who got awards.

  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 3:47 p.m. May 19, 2021
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Penning a scholarship can change a student's life, and the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women wrote 14 scholarships for the Launching Leaders luncheon on May 19 at the Bird Key Yacht Club. 

The Launching Leaders event has been going on for 30 years and was started by the late Betty Altman. Her family foundation now supports the art awards in perpetuity. This year, the letters awards and one art award were supported by the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, while the music awards were independently supported.

"We're just trying to keep the arts alive," Second President Lady Lynn Wilson said. 

The event drew many members, as well as students' family. About 80 people flocked to the yacht club for the luncheon. Music composition winners performed their pieces during lunch, and the letters winners read their essays after lunch and accepting their scholarships. 

 

The art winners displayed their pieces at the front of the room.
The art winners displayed their pieces at the front of the room.
First President Wilma Davidson introduced the event.
First President Wilma Davidson introduced the event.
Wilma Davidson presented Diana DeAvila with a certificate for membership.
Wilma Davidson presented Diana DeAvila with a certificate for membership.
Wilma Davidson introduced one of last year's winners, Jordyn Chiodo, who spoke to the 2021 winners.
Wilma Davidson introduced one of last year's winners, Jordyn Chiodo, who spoke to the 2021 winners.
Ann Verhagen accompanied composition winner Katherine Arico on her flute piece,
Ann Verhagen accompanied composition winner Katherine Arico on her flute piece, "Solemn Hour."
Ann Verhagen, Katherine Arico and Halle Cooper perform
Ann Verhagen, Katherine Arico and Halle Cooper perform "Solemn Hour."
Polly Curran snapped photos of the performances.
Polly Curran snapped photos of the performances.
Colin Leonard performed his piece
Colin Leonard performed his piece "Color of Twilight."
Katherine Arico accepted her award from Jan Schaberg.
Katherine Arico accepted her award from Jan Schaberg.
Colin Leonard accepted his award from Jan Schaberg.
Colin Leonard accepted his award from Jan Schaberg.
Francesca Simon introduced the letters winners.
Francesca Simon introduced the letters winners.
Madelyn Halperin read her piece,
Madelyn Halperin read her piece, "Pimento Cheese" during the luncheon.
Presidents Lady Lynn Wilson and Wilma Davidson presented awards together.
Presidents Lady Lynn Wilson and Wilma Davidson presented awards together.

 

Latest News

Sarasota Police on Monday recovered a sunken, capsized boat from Hudson Bayou that had been swamped for more than three years.
  • December 6, 2025
Long-abandoned boat removed by Sarasota Police
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak and City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs during a meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota charter official evaluations begin this month
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content