The Hopewell Valley Arts Council has awarded its annual $500 scholarships to Hopewell Valley Central High School Class of 2026 graduates Andrew King and Gabriella Procaccini, recognizing their artistic achievement and commitment to pursuing careers in the arts.
Now in its 12th year, the scholarship program honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in fields including fine arts, performing arts, culinary arts, literary arts and other forms of creative expression.
“These scholarships have remained a critical part of our mission since the organization started 12 years ago,” said Hopewell Valley Arts Council Executive Director Carol Lipson. “Our goal is to encourage creativity in the Hopewell Valley community and foster a lifelong participation in the arts.”
King, who plans to attend Northwestern University, was recognized for his accomplishments as a singer, actor and student leader. A member of Hopewell Valley Central High School’s Performing Arts Academy and Thespian Troupe, he has performed leading roles in school productions and earned honors at state, national and international thespian festivals. Beyond the stage, he has also been active in community service, including fundraising for pediatric heart patients through Colin’s Kids.
“Through theater, I have formed strong friendships, learned invaluable lessons from my teachers and peers, and have become a more confident person,” King said. “I now welcome new students into the program in the same way, hoping they too feel encouraged to express themselves and discover who they are through theater.”
King plans to study Radio/Television/Film.
Procaccini will attend Parsons School of Design at The New School, where she plans to major in Strategic Design with a concentration in fashion. Her interests include fashion illustration, photography, sewing, ceramics, painting and creative writing. She has also served as a Hopewell Valley Central High School student ambassador and competed as a varsity athlete.
At Parsons, Procaccini hopes to explore sustainability in the fashion industry and the ways design can influence culture.
“I hope to create new skills that integrate aesthetics with function to make an impact,” she said.
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council said the scholarship recipients exemplify the organization’s mission to support emerging artists and encourage lifelong participation in the arts throughout the Hopewell Valley community.
For more information about the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and its programs, visit hvartscouncil.org.
