August 11, 2008

Pen Women honor high school seniors

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

The Santa Clara County Branch of the National League of American Pen Women recently honored two high school seniors for their excellence in the arts.

The National League of American Pen Women Santa Clara County Branch President Christine Dargahi and Member Dianne MacNair presented scholarship awards to Jessica Johnson and Dilara Cirit at the annual ceremony. Photo by Judy Bingman

“The Pen Women give back to their community by supporting aspiring female artists on a journey that can sometimes be rocky due to gender bias and the less than stellar financial income of beginning artists,” said Branch Co-chair President Christine Dargahi.

Held at member Phyllis Mattson’s Cupertino home, the scholarship award presentation is the culmination of the Pen Women’s annual efforts to celebrate women in the arts. This year, Dilara Cirit from Saratoga High School was selected for her excellence in writing and Jessica Johnson, from Leigh was chosen for her outstanding art. Each girl received $1,000 for their creativity in the arts as well as their excellence academically. 

The National League of American Pen Women [NLAPW] promotes the development of the creative talents of 4,000 professional women artists, writers, dramatists, lecturers, and composers. The league consists of local groups, state organizations and members-at-large with 170 branches throughout the United States. The organization was founded in 1897.

NLAPW is headquartered in the historic Robert Todd Lincoln mansion in Washington D.C. Constructed in 1887; it was purchased in 1951 by Dr. Dorothy Betts Marvin for the NLAPW.

The Santa Clara Branch of NLAPW was founded in 1922. Besides the scholarship awards they host a celebrity luncheon to honor local women who have achieved professionalism in letters, arts and music. Scheduled for February 2009, the theme will be the “Roaring Twenties.” In addition to showcasing the achievers, entertainment, lunch, and a silent auction will be held to raise funds for scholarships.

“There are few things in life that are better than donating to an important cause and having a great time because of the generosity,” said Dargahi. “That is exactly what happens when the Santa Clara Branch of the National League of American Pen Women put on their yearly Celebrity Scholarship Luncheon to raise funds for young female artists, musicians and writers.”

For more information on NLAPW visit www.americanpenwomen.org.