New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Northern NJ Community Foundation Awards Fourth Annual Scholarship to Leonia High School Graduate to Study Animation and Fine Arts

originally published: 07/28/2022


(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's (NNJCF) Frank DeLorenzo Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded Pilar Carranza, a graduate of the Leonia High School class of 2022 in Leonia, New Jersey, its fourth annual scholarship.  This fall, Carranza plans to attend Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and study animation and fine arts.

The NNJCF donor advised fund memorializes Leonia High School 1964 classmate Frank DeLorenzo.  A $2,000 scholarship award is given to a student, who demonstrates talent and ambition as an artist, musician, or writer, to further his or her education.

During high school, Carranza was active with several arts organizations.  She joined Vox Angelica/Treble Choir, Chamber Choir, Bergen County Choir, and the New Jersey All-State Treble Choir.  In addition, Carranza assumed leadership positions serving as president of VXA from 2021-2022 and secretary on the Leonia High School Senate Senior Committee.  She also helped other students by participating as a Peer Leader and joined the National Honor Society.

This aspiring artist pursued her creative interests participating with the Limelighters, Project Greenlight, LMAC Fine Arts, and the Science Academy Mural Committee.  Carranza also was an artist and organizer of Chalktivism, a student-led organization.  Among her volunteer activities in the community, she was involved with the Leonia Vaccine Clinic in 2021.  For four years, she assisted at the Closter Animal Welfare Society.

"The namesake of the fund, Frank DeLorenzo, was a good friend, growing up in Leonia in the 1950's and early '60's, and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Singer, song-writer, artist, actor, comedian: Frankie could liven up any room, any group, anytime, anywhere.  Establishing the Frank DeLorenzo Memorial Scholarship Fund has been my way of keeping alive the memory and the spirit of a uniquely gifted human being.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



"This NNJCF fund helps students like this year's recipient, Pilar Carranza, obtain needed training to pursue a career in the arts," said Paul Coopersmith, a classmate of DeLorenzo and the Fund's creator and advisor.

Philanthropic Opportunities: The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation offers the region a comprehensive menu of philanthropic opportunities.  The NNJCF, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses primarily on the arts, civic engagement, education, the environment, philanthropy, and public health.  The foundation provides donors with flexible, efficient, and tax-effective ways to ensure their charitable giving has maximum impact through donor-advised funds, tax-saving annuities, and trust options.

 "The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation helps donors define and realize their philanthropic goals.  Establishing a donor advised fund in honor or in memory of a loved one or a field of interest fund to support an issue is gratifying personally and results in real impacts made locally and regionally," said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

For further information about the NNJCF, The Frank DeLorenzo Memorial Scholarship Fund, or to set up a charitable fund, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.

  Photo Credit: Legacy Studios




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Art House Gallery presents "Art Outside of Architecture" - a group exhibition featuring the Architects that designed The Hendrix

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents "Art Outside of Architecture," a group exhibition showcasing the work of the architects that designed The Hendrix building where Art House Productions resides. The exhibition will be on display at the Art House Gallery from July 5-27, 2025 and features twelve architects stepping out of the structural realm and into a world of personal expression in this dynamic group exhibition.



Geoffrey

Geoffrey Doig-Marx's "Portraits in Color and Light" opens at the Gallery at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey - A Fusion of Comedy and Heart

(MADISON, NJ) -- New York-based artist, educator, choreographer, and self-described "Renaissance Man" Geoffrey Doig-Marx (GDM) brings his dynamic exhibition Portraits in Color and Light to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as the second art installation in the Theatre's 2025 Season. This striking collection of twenty-six original paintings debuts with the Theatre's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], running July 9–27. It's a pairing that promises a bold celebration of irreverence, reflection, and artistic energy.



Ocean

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch presents Laurelton Art Society Exhibition

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Works by members of one of New Jersey's venerable art associations will be on display throughout the month of June in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch. The Laurelton Art Society Exhibition will occupy the Second Floor Gallery, June 9 through July 29, 2025.



Union

Union County presents "Art of All Abilities Exhibit" in Celebration of Disability Pride Month

(ELIZABETH, NJ) -- July is Disability Pride Month, and in recognition of the occasion, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit the 2025 Art for All Abilities Exhibit. This special exhibit features 20 original works created by Union County residents of all abilities and will be on display throughout the month of July at the Commissioner's Gallery.



Rowan

Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum Announces NJ Arts Annual Artists

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum is excited to announce the participating artists who will be included in the 2025 New Jersey Arts Annual for Fine Art, presented in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, opening Saturday, June 7th from 4:00pm-7:00pm, and on display through August 2, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


FREE

FREE SUMMER MOVIE: Moana 2

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901




 

FREE

FREE SUMMER MOVIE: Moana 2

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901



Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: My Name is Lucy Barton

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901



Indigenous

Indigenous

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087



Straight

Straight No Chaser - SUMMER: The 90's Part 2

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901





Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info