Student of the Month
Arts4All Florida’s Student of the Month Recognition Program strives to increase public awareness of the impact arts make on students with disabilities.
Students who participate in the arts develop creativity, have increased self-confidence, understand teamwork, have increased language and math skills, and are generally more engaged.
We invite you to recognize students with disabilities aged 5-22 who exemplify outstanding work in and through the arts. The student artist may be accomplished in the visual arts, music, dance, theater, or literary arts, or merely demonstrate amazing personal achievement and leadership through one of the art forms. Each month Arts4All Florida will select one student. Applications are accepted from September 1, 2025 through May 4, 2026.
The winning students will be featured on the Arts4All Florida website and in our monthly e-newsletter. All winners will receive a personalized award presented at an awards ceremony of choice and a $50 Amazon gift card to both the winning student and the nominating teacher.
Criteria
To be nominated a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be a student enrolled in a Florida public or private school. Home schooled students are definitely included!
- Meet the age requirements (ages 5-22).
- Exhibit outstanding artistry, personal growth, increased self-confidence, or leadership through their work in the arts.
- Be in good academic and behavioral standing.
Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year.
Nominate a Student
We invite you to recognize students with disabilities aged 5-22 who exemplify outstanding work in and through the arts. The student artist may be accomplished in the visual arts, music, dance, theater, or literary arts, or merely demonstrate amazing personal achievement and leadership through one of the art forms. Each month Arts4All Florida will select one student. Applications are accepted from September 1, 2025 through May 4, 2026.
To nominate a student today, click here.
Click here for more information.
2025-2026 Student of the Month Award Winners
December 2025 – Abigale Rabon
November 2025 – Isaiah Scott
October 2025 – Allison Higgenbothem
September 2025 – Jaron Raines
2024-2025 Student of the Month Award Winners
May 2025 – Kamora Jones
April 2025 – Gage Torbett
March 2025 – Egypt OBryan
February 2025 – Sean Walker
January 2025 – AJ Anderson
December 2024– Alex Gould
November 2024 – Langston Elliott
October 2024 – Alex Brownell
September 2024 – Seemena Turpin
2023-2024 Student of the Month Award Winners
Announcing New Trophy Artist, Wendy Finklea
Wendy Finklea: Designing the 2025-26 Student of the Month Trophies for Arts4All Florida
Wendy Finklea, the talented ceramic artist behind Clay Fish Studio, is crafting the 2025-26 Student of the Month trophies for Arts4All Florida. Her handcrafted ceramics, blending ancient techniques with modern design, will honor outstanding students with unique, meaningful awards.
From Science to Art
With a BS in Medical Technology/Microbiology from Florida State University and the University of South Florida, Wendy shifted her focus to the arts, serving as Director of Programs at Arts4All Florida for 13 years. There, she developed inclusive arts programs that empowered individuals with disabilities, emphasizing art’s role in personal growth. “The arts open your eyes to possibilities, engaging both heart and mind,” she says.
Crafting with Purpose
At Clay Fish Studio, opened in 2019, Wendy creates wheel-thrown and slab-built ceramics inspired by cultural traditions, hospitality, and Florida’s vibrant environment. Her trophies for Arts4All Florida reflect her signature style—thoughtful, functional, and beautiful—celebrating student achievement with lasting keepsakes.
A Lasting Legacy
Wendy’s deep ties to Arts4All Florida and her belief in art’s transformative power make her the perfect choice for this project. A resident artist at St. Pete ArtWorks and member of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, she continues to inspire through her craft and commitment to inclusivity.