By Stacy Cruz
Staff Writer
Costa students find ways to establish homes on campus through the electives they take during their four years. Sophomore Hana Rothner and senior Chad Sumen are two of many students who have claimed the ceramics room as their residence of choice.
Rothner and Sumen were both awarded with a $100 scholarship check from the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club for winning the Craft Award, which recognizes students’ achievements in the arts.
“Usually, art students are not recognized for their achievements,” Rothner said. “There are so many great kids in my class, so it was an honor that I was chosen for the award.”
Ceramics teacher John Reichart chose Rothner and Sumen to receive the award when he deemed them the highest achieving students in the ceramics class.
“Rothner received the award because she is dedicated and works hard,” Reichardt said. “She has spent the year refining her skills and improving, while also working to help others.”
Rothner first began taking ceramics as a freshman at Costa. According to her, she was inspired to take the course due to her brother Andrew Rothner’s past involvement in Costa ceramics. Now, as a sophomore, Rothner is enrolled in the Advanced Ceramics class.
“Even though we have certain assignments we have to make, we still have a lot of creativity behind how we make it and what we want it to end up looking like,” Rothner said.
Sumen began taking ceramics at Costa during his junior year to fulfill his art credit. According to Sumen, he first thought the class would be boring, although his opinion soon changed and he quickly developed a passion for ceramics. Now, as a senior, he is in the Advanced Ceramics class.
“It feels great receiving the scholarship,” Sumen said. “It gives me a sense of pride in knowing that other people enjoy my work.”
According to Rothner, ceramics is to be taken seriously because it takes hardwork and concentration. Winning the scholarship has not changed her attitude toward her hobby but has altered her perspective.
“Winning the scholarship makes me feel like what I’m doing has a purpose and that people are seeing that art is just as valuable as academics,” Rothner said.
Rothner has considered art school for college, although she has yet to fully plan out her future due to her underclassman status. Despite this, Rothner still sees ceramics in her future.
“I hope that in the future I will continue the art of ceramics,” Rothner said. “I hope that it will at least be a hobby for the rest of my life.”
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