Mariah Anton receives Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship

Contemporary dancer Mariah Anton is the recipient of the Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. It is the university’s most prestigious honor for an undergraduate student, awarded to a rising college senior who demonstrates talent and artistic achievement, academic excellence, leadership and citizenship.

Announced at the university’s spring Celebration of Excellence, the scholarship will cover tuition, fees, room, and board, plus a $3,200 stipend for related expenses.

“The Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship is given annually to one student who best exhibits qualities needed to succeed,” said Provost David English. “Mariah is curious, creative, disciplined and motivated. Faculty in the School of Dance noted her beautiful dance technique, professional work ethic, generosity, kindness and big heart.”

Anton, who is from Long Island, N.Y., has maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average at UNCSA and is engaged in the campus community through Student Government Association, Peer Mentors, Student Ambassadors, Welcome Squad, Synergy Project, student event staff and peer tutoring.

She volunteers as a ballet demonstrator and assistant for her local YMCA, and serves as a mentor for her home church’s youth programs. For the past five years Anton has overseen a committee that provides for the nutritional needs of approximately 250 children attending her church’s Vacation Bible School.

Dance has always been an integral part of my life. Over the years my love for the art form has grown and deepened as it has taught me an immeasurable amount about myself, others and the world around me.

Mariah Anton

Anton has received UNCSA-based grants to participate in workshops with groups including the Merce Cunningham Trust, Stephen Petronio Workshops, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Intensives and Rioult Dance NY Intensives.

“Dance has always been an integral part of my life,” she said. “Over the years my love for the art form has grown and deepened as it has taught me an immeasurable amount about myself, others and the world around me.”

by Lauren Whitaker