BY DESIREE PICAZO/ PHOTO BY NATASHA BRENNAN
Juniors Melissa Rocha and Jonathan Steinmetz have been accepted to the Ryman Arts Program at Cal State Fullerton . With the referral of Art teacher Christine Schwandt, the two applied against hundreds of inner city teens with only 200 chosen for the prestigious program. To complete the application, they were required to write an essay on reasons for applying and benefits hoping to gain from the program, along with two pencil-drawn portraits.
Schwandt found out about Ryman arts when a transferred student, who was in the program, introduced it to her in 2010. Since then, students have been applying in hopes of pursuing artistic careers.
“Its a great opportunity because they are working with artist in the art industry that teach the classes,” said Schwandt.
With this scholarship, Steinmetz and Rocha will learn three semesters of classical drawing and painting along with other talented 
high school students. Ryman will also help them build their college portfolio. Being in an environment with peers just as motivated will help push the two bulldog artists to grow through this rigorous program, which will eventually lead them to their artistic dreams. Steinmetz is interested in animation while Rocha pursues drawing for large art companies such as Blizzard entertainment.
“It means alot to me because it allows me to improve my art and work harder toward my goals,” said Steinmetz.
Students like Melissa Rocha and Jonathan Steinmetz are inspirational examples of success through not just academics but talent. They often advocate the potential that many artists can have through hardwork and opportunities that are open for jobs and careers.
“There are many talented people here at this school that I wish would have applied because they can have a future with what they love to do,” said Rocha.
Rocha has also started Artists Inc., a new club on campus that encourages other bulldogs to practice their talent and pursue artistic dreams. Bulldog country wishes them luck as they start next semester.
