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.