BLDD Architects is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship

This year's recipients are Ellasyn Loudenburg, Audrey Benoit, Mikee Montemar, Janelle Dunford, Sierra Hadley, Cade Lehman, Kevyn Wang, Lilyanne Bohnsack, Kristen Armstrong, Madeline Roth, and Nathaniel Carter. Named for BLDD’s mission, “Because Life Deserves Design,” the scholarship celebrates high school seniors who stand out for their creativity, artistic drive, and promise to shape the future of architecture, interior or graphic design.

This year, students applied by sharing original artwork inspired by the phrase “Because Life Deserves Design,” along with a personal artist’s statement and proof of their plans to study design in college.

BLDD Principal Mark Ritz says, “Seeing the talent and potential these seniors bring is genuinely inspiring. Working alongside our district partners to back their students is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

Ellasyn Loudenburg of Heyworth High School received this year’s "Best in Show" honors. Her colored pencil drawing entitled “Heart & Sole” and her outstanding application made a strong impression on the jury panel of BLDD design specialists.

Loudenberg’s work captured the spirit of BLDD’s mission, earning her a $2,500 scholarship. She plans to Illinois State University in the fall to study art and graphic design.

In regard to her artwork, Loudenberg says, “My goal for this piece was to highlight the admirable appearance of my shoe collection in a way that would force the audience to take notice…I was able to capture the mundane in a more prominent light through extreme attention to detail, a deep understanding of proportion, and a refined color pencil blending technique. In short, life deserves art because the simple areas of life deserve to shine too.

"Runner-up" winner Audrey Benoit of St. Joseph-Ogden High School was recognized for her extraordinary pencil drawing inspired by the video game “The Last of Us.” For her overall application, Benoit was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She also plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall and will be studying interior design.

Mikee Montemar of Warrensburg-Latham High School recieved an "Honorable Mention" award for her piece entitled, “See the Light Through the Trees” made with embroidery floss. Montemar was awarded $500 for her entry and plans to study art and design at Eastern Illinois University.

BLDD appreciates and is proud of all applicants who took the time to apply. In recent years, scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors throughout Illinois and Missouri, including Williamsville-Sherman, Athens, Palmyra, Mattoon, Effingham and Rockridge.