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May 15, 2025From stage to dance to the visual arts, there isn’t much Charlotte Kennedy can’t do to creatively express herself.
For Kennedy, it’s been a life immersed in the arts. And it will continue as such.
A student at Sedes Sapientiae Schole, located at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Edmond, Kennedy has received a scholarship – the presidential scholarship – to Benedictine College in Kansas, where she will ramp up a path to a career in the arts, planning, too, to promote God as part of that career.
“While at Benedictine, I will be studying a classical form of art,” she said, “but after college, continuing in my career in art.”
A member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Guthrie, Kennedy’s experiences in the arts are lengthy.
“She’s always been an artist,” said her mother, Rachel, who coached her on the stage in theater at the Sedes Sapientiae Schole. “She takes an art class in Edmond, and it really started with the basics, when you learn to draw first, before you do anything else.”
Charlotte is clear about what form of art she wants to study, that of graphic arts, illustration.
“As I continue my artistic career, I would like to pursue graphic novels as an artistic medium,” she said.
Many a comic book or graphic novel can seem dark in terms of the illustrations, but she would like to bring a positive spin to the books.
“They are so much fun,” she said. “They are exciting, they can tell stories people read, adults and children alike.”
On the path to the scholarship, Charlotte worked hard in preparing to apply, but also had to present a strong portfolio, and finally present herself to a board on a chosen subject.
“The presidential scholarship is something you’re invited to compete in when you apply to Benedictine College,” Rachel said.
Part of a weekend on campus included a tour of the college. Her family was not disappointed about where her life would continue moving forward.
“We were very impressed with what we saw at Benedictine College,” said her father, Brian.
Part of the competition also included an essay contest. Kennedy aced all the criteria, leading to a full scholarship. Her teachers were hardly surprised.
“I couldn’t be prouder of her,” said Andrea Lubitz, a literature drama educator. “She works with excellence in everything she does.”
Lubitz has high praise for her stage presence.
“On the stage, she always had one of the lead roles,” she said. “She’s very eclectic on the stage, and plays in many different types of roles, and shines in all of them.”
Brianna Osborne, another teacher who has worked with Charlotte, said what a positive moment it is to see a promotion of her talents coming to fruition.
"She has a lot of enthusiasm for art, and everything we do in literature class. I’ve enjoyed watching her acting, as well,” Osborn said.
Lubitz said, “I think in a world today where people don’t value art as much, it is refreshing to see someone rewarded.”
Of course, Charlotte is pretty excited herself.
“As the weeks go by,” she said, “I am extraordinarily excited of beginning my education at Benedictine College.”
Everett Brazil, III is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Charlotte Kennedy, left, recently earned the Presidential Scholarship to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, which will provide her a full education at the Catholic college. Also pictured is Andrew Duque, Charlotte’s Benedictine College admissions counselor, who hand-delivered the scholarship announcement to her home in Guthrie. Photo provided.