Fort Calhoun Senior Natalie Lammers Earns Full-Ride Arts Scholarship

Fort Calhoun senior Natalie Lammers has secured a prestigious full-ride scholarship to Hastings College through the Jackson Scholars Program. This program is designed to support aspiring artists in developing their skills, completing their degrees, and launching successful careers in the arts. The scholarship covers all tuition, fees, and living expenses, making it a significant opportunity for Lammers as she prepares for her college journey.

Expanding Opportunities for the Arts

This marks only the second year Hastings College has offered the full-ride scholarship. In its inaugural year, the program awarded scholarships to four students, while this year, it has expanded to include eight recipients. Lammers is contemplating whether she will pursue a major in studio art or art education, reflecting her diverse interests in the arts.

Throughout her high school tenure at Fort Calhoun, Lammers has participated in various performing arts, showcasing her broad artistic talents. She expressed her enthusiasm for Hastings College, noting its strong commitment to the arts. “I was looking for colleges that were proud of their arts and wanted to do more,” Lammers shared in an interview with the Washington County Enterprise. “It’s my corner of the world.”

A Rich Artistic Background

Hastings College has invested in its arts programs, opening the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center a decade ago. This facility houses the Department of Visual Arts and includes studios for glassblowing, ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, and dedicated gallery spaces. Such resources are vital for nurturing creativity and providing students with hands-on experiences in their respective fields.

Lammers has had a lifelong passion for art. During her elementary school years, Fort Calhoun did not have an art teacher, prompting her parents to seek out classes at Two Keys Creative Studios in Omaha. She credits her instructor there as one of her most significant influences. Another key figure in her artistic journey is Paul High Horse, a notable artist and art teacher at Fort Calhoun High School, who recently showcased his work at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House in Omaha.

“I’m glad that my mom and dad didn’t kind of brush away my interest in art,” Lammers said. “They saw the enthusiasm and passion that I had for art and were willing to let me explore that.” With such supportive encouragement and an exceptional scholarship opportunity, Lammers is well on her way to a promising future in the arts.