The scholarship was conceived after the death of one of our respected colleagues:

Kenneth E. Drake was an artist, a sculptor and a beloved teacher with an amazing ability to
unleash the creativity in his students. He passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2011
at the age of 65, but left behind a legacy of inspiration.
Ken taught art and art history for 27 years in Hammonton, NJ and after he retired from his high
school career, he went on to teach visual art at Atlantic Cape Community College for 12
more Years.
The idea of the scholarship is the brainchild of Richard Monteleone, an Adjunct Professor
of Art at Atlantic Cape Community College. Monteleone explains his motivation, "I had
the pleasure of knowing Ken through my work at the college. He was unselfishly dedicated
to his students and co-workers. He was one of those rare individuals who would always
be there to lend a helping hand. For example, last year was my first endeavor teaching at
Hammonton's Festival for the Arts. I asked Ken how he taught the class the previous year.
Not only did he explain it to me in detail, but without blinking an eye, he also gave me
every physical tool I needed to be successful."
Ken was a talented craftsman with a great spirit that instilled confidence in his pupils. He
believed in using art as a vehicle for learning and would have helped in any activity that
promoted the arts and supported artists. He had a profound impact on so many lives and
will always be fondly remembered. Monteleone believes that a scholarship is the best way
to honor the memory and spirit of Ken Drake and every creative individual  that Teaches, Leads and
Creates a more promising future through the arts.