The Frankie Morris-Perez Memorial Scholarship, launched in 2019-2020, is a $2,500 scholarship that supports the undergraduate education of a Beacon School graduate committed to making an impact through the arts – by integrating the study of human development with creative arts.
A broad number of disciplinary fields of study and creative arts disciplines can be pursued to demonstrate this combined commitment. A committee of psychologists, applied artists, and educators – more than half of whom have no connection to the Beacon School community – reviews all applications and identifies awardees.
Frankie often spoke of wanting to study Psychology to understand, and Theater to heal. We hope another scientist/artist with similar aspirations can continue this brave work in Frankie’s honor.
Donations can be made to Gofundme or (for tax-deductible gift-making) to the Brooklyn Community Foundation. The scholarship application opens in February/March each year on the Brooklyn Community Foundation site.
2020
The 2020 graduate winner is Nadia Whalen, for her planned study of music and psychology at Howard University, using music to de-stigmatize mental health treatment, particularly in the Black community.
Gregory Austin was awarded honorable mention among 2020 graduates, to honor his planned work to use theater for healing at DePaul University.
2019
The 2019 graduate winner is Violet Bennett, for her combined study of theater and psychology at Villanova University, for the pursuit of drama therapy to help those with mental health conditions.