2025 Brenda Dendy Stroud Scholarship for Visual Arts

Brenda Dendy Stroud was a gifted artist and educator whose passion for the arts left a lasting impact on the Detroit community. Born in Washington, D.C., she spent most of her adult life as an adopted Detroiter—raising her family, working in the private sector, and teaching art in the Detroit Public School System.

Brenda earned her B.A. in Art from Howard University, where she studied under Loïs Mailou Jones, a renowned painter and designer. Under Jones’ mentorship, she traveled to Paris, further refining her skills at L’Académie de la Grande Chaumière. Upon returning to the U.S., her watercolor paintings were exhibited in Washington, D.C., and she graduated in 1963 with the distinguished "Outstanding Graduate in Art" award. Brenda later received a tuition scholarship to attend Pratt Institute, where she earned her Master of Science Degree.

Throughout her lifetime, Brenda worked across multiple mediums, including pen and ink, collage, watercolor, acrylics, and pastels. Her artwork is part of many private collections across the U.S. and has been exhibited in galleries and shows in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Honoring a Legacy of Artistic Excellence

The Brenda Dendy Stroud Memorial Scholarship was established by Natalie Stroud Fenner and Walter D. Stroud in loving memory of their mother. With the support of The Miracles Foundation, family, and friends, this scholarship honors Brenda’s incredible talent, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to young artists.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be considered for the Brenda Dendy Stroud Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a graduating senior from a Detroit high school.

• Plan to attend Howard University or Pratt Institute to pursue a degree in the School of Fine Arts (scholarship award is contingent upon acceptance).

• Provide a recommendation letter from a current high school art faculty member.

• Provide two recommendation letters from non-art faculty members.

For more information or to apply, please email info@themiraclesfoundation.org.

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The 2025 Leon English Jr. Arts Scholarship

Established in 2022 by The Miracles Foundation, with the support of family, friends, and generous supporters like you, this scholarship continues the legacy of Leon English Jr. by nurturing and supporting young, aspiring musicians in Detroit and surrounding areas.

Honoring a Legacy of Music & Excellence

Leon English Jr. was a gifted musician who balanced his academic and artistic talents. A graduate of Cass Technical High School, he majored in Biological-Chemistry while immersing himself in the arts. During high school, he was an active member of the choir and band and spent summers refining his craft at Interlochen Music Camp—experiences that profoundly shaped his musical journey.

As a classically trained pianist, Leon had a deep appreciation for all genres of music. After high school, he toured internationally before returning to Detroit, where he continued to perform and record across multiple genres, including jazz, big band, R&B, and soul.

Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

To honor his legacy, The Miracles Foundation awards the Leon English Jr. Arts Scholarship to two Cass Technical High School students each year. This scholarship helps offset the costs of attending a summer music camp, advanced music instruction, or competition expenses, ensuring that young musicians have the resources they need to grow and thrive.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be considered for the Leon English Jr. Arts Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a current student at Cass Technical High School in good standing.

• Be entering 10th or 11th grade.

• Be an active member in choir, band, or orchestra with good standing.

• Provide a recommendation letter from a music or arts faculty member.

• Provide two recommendation letters from non-arts faculty members.

• Be participating in a music or arts camp, advanced instruction, or competition.

For more information or to apply, please email info@themiraclesfoundation.org.

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Established in 2022 by The Miracles Foundation, with the support of family, friends, and generous supporters like you, this scholarship continues the legacy of Leon English Jr. by nurturing and supporting young, aspiring musicians in Detroit and surrounding areas.

“Children are likely to live up to what you believe in them.” - Lady Bird Johnson”