2024 Shooting Stars Recognition, Scholarship and Awards

The Shooting Stars Recognition, Scholarship & Awards Program was created in 1997, by former Arts Council of Johnson County chairman Bob Endres. Bob’s vision was to create a program that celebrated young Johnson County artists for their artistic excellence in high school. In other words, only the best of the best high school artists are chosen to participate in the Shooting Stars Program.

Since its founding, Shooting Stars has awarded over $400,000 in college scholarships and over $65,000 in teacher honorariums. In the spring, nine first place scholarships of $1,400 each, nine second place scholarships of $700 each, and nine teacher honorariums of $300 each will be awarded at the annual Shooting Stars Gala on April 7th, 2024

To participate in Shooting Stars you must be a 12th grade student who lives in Johnson County, Kansas, be nominated by an arts faculty member from your high school, and submit an Application. Once the Arts Council receives your nomination and application you become a Shooting Stars Finalist.

Nominations accepted:  October 27 – November 8, 2023

Applications accepted:  October 27 – November 15, 2023

To learn more about participating in the 2024 Shooting Stars Program, visit the Shooting Stars Resource Center. 

Interested in volunteering for the Shooting Stars Program? Fill out our Volunteer Application Form.

Being nominated for Shooting Stars is a huge honor. When my AP Studio Art teacher chose me, I became ecstatic… I just could not pass up the opportunity. By participating in the Shooting Stars program, I will obtain skills and experiences that real artists go through. It’s also a great achievement to put on applications and boosts my Art Endorsement. The overall experience is the main reason that I decided to participate, because I am not one to let an amazing opportunity go to waste. From a young age art has always been my passion…This program will be a chance for me to show people how I see my subjects and what inspires me.

— Tess Augustyn, 2013 Shooting Stars Finalist