On April 5, Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 donated $1,000 to Arriba El Son LLC, which was founded by member Carmen Rivera’s husband, Eduardo Rivera, a mailman and musician. Together they created the A.E.S. Art & Music Scholarship program, where children ages 5 to 17 submit an essay or art creation to compete for this scholarship. This year, 10 students were awarded lessons in the category of their choice — art, music, singing or acting. In addition to the lessons, the students received appropriate supplies. Art students received an art kit and easel, music students received instruments, and acting students received a makeup bag with a mirror and eye shadow kit. Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park, Florida, offers many classes, including watercolor, sketching, oil and more. The music students receiving lessons from East Orlando Music School must attend the first class in person so the instructors can tune the instrument and give instructions how to hold it correctly or adjust the straps. For summer acting classes at Magic Curtain, the location also has a theater and after the summer program, they put on a show for the community. Students then have the option to come to the studio or take the class online.  Arriba El Son LLC and the lodge believe in supporting the arts. On May 21, an event was held at the lodge for the recipients with a guest speaker and refreshments. The students and their families were extremely happy and grateful to receive their awards. Winners in the art category were Liam Martinez, kindergarten; Tiana Taylor, fifth grade and Xena Anoulhosn, fifth grade. Winners in the acting category were Drussie Dones, fourth grade; Eilyn Quezada, fifth grade; Victoria Febles; fifth grade; and Isabela Anderson, fifth grade. Winners in the music category were Carina Johnson, fourth grade, violin; Sophia Sanchez Rapazo, fourth grade, piano; and Hunter Hong, fourth grade, singing/guitar.

Pictured are the winners with Eduardo and Carmen Rivera. Carina Johnson was unable to attend but is pictured with her violin.