A local non-profit group that provides free private music lessons to economically disadvantaged students has garnered some prestigious national recognition. Central Music Academy in downtown Lexington has been named one of fifty finalists for the 2017 most outstanding youth after-school arts and humanities learning program.
Executive director Erin Walker Bliss says in a news release that since its inception 13 years ago CMA has "helped more than 900 youth become their best selves through consistent mentoring and dedicated instruction from highly qualified teachers." CMA students witness a growth in their confidence and abilities in music, in schoolwork, and in their daily lives. 100% of CMA students have graduated from high school and 98% have gone on to college.
The finalists for the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award were chosen from a pool of 342 applications from 46 states, Washington D.C., and two U.S. territories.
Twelve winners will be announced at the end of the month and each will receive a one-time cash prize of $10,000.