National Park College (NPC) student Sarah Rudder was recently awarded the Bonita Russell
Art scholarship. She is completing her associate degree in graphic design and marketing.
Rudder said her grandmother paints and sculpts and inspired her to pursue a career
in art. She decided to further her education because she wants to get ahead in life
and become something for herself. She said she does not want to waste her intelligence
and wants to become more knowledgeable in the arts.
Rudder chose NPC because it was affordable, offers a smaller community and a better
student to teacher ratio. She noted that NPC works hard to engage its students and
the community.
Jennifer Seward, Digital and Media Arts instructor at NPC said, “Sarah is a hard-working
student. She really challenges herself with the work that she does. She will not settle
for the easy solution to a design problem. She is a very supportive peer, often providing
valuable insight and thoughtful observations when we critique in class. We love having
students like Sarah in class.”
Rudder would enjoy working for a large corporation, such as Nike or Vogue magazine,
designing advertisements or logos. After establishing herself, she would eventually
like to own her own business.
“It feels amazing that people are starting to notice that I want to do something in
this career and in my education. I am being recognized for the hard work that I have
put into my degree. It means a lot to me that people believe in me. I am more than
grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Rudder.
Lana Taliaferro, NPC art faculty, said, “Sarah’s most admirable quality is her curiosity
and her willingness to ask questions about processes, possible outcomes, and difficult
feedback regarding her work. She takes criticism so well, it is a pleasure to discuss
her work with her. I do not believe her contagious curiosity has recently been sparked
by art. I believe this is who she is as a person. I can see her clients appreciating
her asking all the right questions and being excited to create designs unique and
specific to their needs. Sarah is a great listener with an eager heart and a creative
spirit.”
Mrs. Bonita Russell’s children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate Rudder and
presented her with a memorial tribute of their mother and grandmother.
“After meeting the family and getting to know Mrs. Bonita more, I feel we are kindred
spirits,” Rudder stated.
Pictured left to right is Bianca Trotto, Justin Trotto, Mike Harris, Cindy Trotto,
Sarah Rudder, Nancy Russell, Patrick Russell, and Tom Russell.
