The Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award is an annual award given to graduating seniors at participating local area high schools. These are students who have participated in the performing arts during their high school careers and understand the impact that had on their core educational experience.
Christopher Patterson was a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School. He participated any many performing arts opportunities including West High STUDy Hall (a male a cappella group), marching band, and multiple theatrical performances, to name a few. Chris was an incredibly gifted singer, pianist, actor, and musician. These awards help honor his legacy while supporting young people like him as they graduate from high school.
The Performing Arts Award is a $1000 cash award, not a scholarship. Applicants do not have to be going on to higher education to receive this award. Year-to-date over $26,000 has been given out through this award! If you would like to help support the continuation of this award, consider donating either through a monthly or single-time donation.
2025 Award Entry Information
Who is eligible: Applicant must have participated in the performing arts (this includes Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama, or Stage Crew) and be a graduating senior at a participating school. 2025 participating schools include West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, Kaneland, and Geneva High School.
Submission Requirements: Applicant must submit an essay, of at least 100 words, describing how participation in the performing arts has assisted them in their core educational classes. This is a short essay, as Christopher hated having to write essays, but please reflect thoughtfully on how the performing arts have impacted your high school career and your courses outside the arts department.
In addition, each submission must have two (2) endorsements from any of the performing art instructors at their high school. (Band/Orchestra Directors, Choral Directors, and Drama Teachers) Click the link to download the Award Endorsement Form.
How to submit your application:
Applications must be mailed through the USPS to be accepted and be postmarked by the deadline date below. Applications must contain an essay on the topic of “How Participation in the Arts has Assisted in Core High School Education” and a completed endorsement page including two instructor signatures and applicant’s contact information.
Mail Submission to:
Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation
Attn: Performing Arts Award ( Your school name )
610 Cherrywood Dr.
North Aurora, IL 60542-1032
Legal stuff:
All submissions become the property of the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation. Applicant give the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation permission to use their submission and likeness on social media, this website, and in other publications. Winners are chosen by a board of judges, all decisions are final. The Foundation is not responsible for lost, late, or misdirected mail/submissions. All submissions must be postmarked by March 28, 2025.