Participants in Summer Arts Program Honored

More than 150 Los Angeles-area students were honored Friday at Paramount Studios in Hollywood for being accepted to the California State Summer School for the Arts, an intensive four-week program for promising artists.

The local students are among 475 dancers, writers and animators from around the state selected to attend the 11th annual program in Valencia this summer. They will spend their days painting, drawing, filming and writing.

On Friday, entertainment figures and state legislators including actor Rob Lowe and U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) turned out to honor the artists and encourage them to pursue their creative dreams.

The students received a Governor’s Arts Scholar medallion at the ceremony, but it was clear they were looking forward to even greater rewards.

“I can’t wait to be in an environment where you’re around art all the time,” said Meredith Harewood, 17, of Ladera Heights, who will study painting.

“I’m really excited,” added Whitney Laucks, 14, who will study theater. “Most of my friends at school are into sports. It’s great to know I’m not the only one who likes this stuff.”