Visual Studies senior Jay Murphy received a second scholarship from the local arts organization Embracing Our Differences. Murphy, one of several local students to receive scholarships, also interned with the organization in 2023. 

The students are part of an EOD scholarship initiative that grants annual $1,000 renewable scholarships to students at regional high school Coexistence Clubs. Current Coexistence Club locations include Booker, North Port, Pine View, Riverview, Sarasota, Suncoast Polytech, and Venice high schools, as well as Imagine Schools North Port Upper Campus. Coexistence Club members serve as docents for thousands of students who visit EOD’s outdoor exhibits every year and design and lead student-driven initiatives in their schools to promote inclusion and acceptance.

Ben Jewell-Plocher, EOD’s learning and engagement director, explains that award recipients need to demonstrate how the Coexistence Club and their participation as docents for EOD’s exhibit has had an impact on their life and high school careers. “The dedication of Coexistence Club members to promote inclusion, kindness, and respect in their schools and at EOD’s annual exhibit inspires us to honor their efforts and support their continuing education,” says Jewell-Plocher. 

Murphy shared, “The importance of representing EOD has never been more important. Everyone deserves to be themselves and practice the art of kindness.”

For 21 years, Embracing Our Differences has delighted viewers with its annual outdoor display of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotes. This high-profile art exhibition draws on the passion and perception of artists, students, and writers to create powerful statements of inclusion, kindness, and respect. The scale and impact of this open-air art show have continued to grow, attracting more than 4.8 million visitors since its inception. EOD’s annual exhibit is the heart of a year-round program of activities using art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity.