Meet the 2024 MASC Arts Awards Recipients
Since 1999, this prestigious gala has celebrated Ottawa’s most passionate young artists at the National Arts Centre, offering life-changing opportunities to help them grow and shine.
Nominate your student today – spots are limited!
Heather Ripmeester, MASC Arts Award Recipient – Dance
Nominated by Amanda Cameron, St. Joseph’s Calab
“In addition to our regular workshops and performances, MASC’s specialized arts and cultural programs in collaboration with schools, providing engaging, curriculum-based learning experiences for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our diverse roster of professional artists and educators will mentor students as they explore a wide range of subjects through an arts and culture lens.”
Seraphina Dickinson-Heeroo, MASC Arts Award Recipient – Drama
Nominated by Shaun Forster, St. Mother Teresa Intermediate School
“Seraphina’s love for Drama is evident through her dedication and love of the craft. She is self-driven and always able to rise to meet a new challenge. She is every director’s dream and a constant source of inspiration to all. Her level of commitment and supportiveness is unmatched. Seraphina has a natural gift, and I am so grateful she has found something that allows her to shine. Keep shining brightly on stage and inspiring us with your incredible talent”.
DeJanelle Lovell, MASC Arts Award Recipient – Literary Arts
Nominated by Shaun Forster, Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School
“DeJanelle’s love for books and writing started at an early age and continues to this very day. She has always had a passion for writing, often using it as an outlet for creativity and a refuge from life’s challenges. Her gift of storytelling is truly remarkable. DeJanelle’s biggest wish is to help people experience the same joy, love, and passion that she, herself, has experienced through literature. It is with great joy to see DeJanelle recognized tonight, and it is a privilege to support her on her journey. We’re so proud of you, DeJanelle!”
Leah Leblanc, MASC Arts Award Recipient – Music
Nominated by Geoff Paisley, Carleton Heights Public School
“Leah has been around music long before now, but something stirred deep inside her this year that awoke a real passion for it. Leah has been galloping through new techniques and new pieces, always honing her skills and always ready for more. She practiced and performed, but perhaps most significantly, she also tutored her peers to help them find the joy that she feels in music too. It has been such a pleasure to work with Leah this year. Her enthusiasm for her craft is infectious!”
Ayodeji Peters, MASC Arts Award Recipient – Visual Arts
Nominated by Natalie Caceros, Our Lady of Victory School
“When Ayodeji arrived at Our Lady of Victory School, it was obvious that he had a gift. His teachers immediately noticed that during any free moments, Ayodeji would take out his pencils and begin sketching. He made remarkable portraits of his peers and educators and gifted them once complete. This year, Ayodeji’s amazing artistic talents have branched out to music. He is taking piano lessons at school and his talent in music is flourishing. Ayodeji’s love for the arts is evident and his future is very bright. We, as a staff at Our Lady of Victory School, could not think of a student more deserving of the MASC visual arts award.”
Kaylee Fragnito, Molly Ellens Award Winner
Nominated by Dan Petti, Notre Dame High School
“Kaylee is a committed Art student who always pushes her work in many innovative directions. Even outside of class, she was completing artworks and working her hardest to achieve something she personally found satisfying. She is always sketching something throughout the day, no matter where she is, it is a part of her. She has also started to develop her own distinct style, and without even needing to see her name on a piece, we can instantly know that it is hers. That is a very desired and saughtout attribute for most artists, but not many can achieve this successfully. There are many times in class, once the work for the day is done, where she will ask to go draw on the board, and she always leaves our classes with beautiful artwork to look at once the day is done. We are very proud of Kaylee, and we cannot wait to see what she creates next as she enters high school.”