Annalee Thorndike Art Competition Scholarship winners announced

GILFORD — The awards presentation for the Annalee Thorndike Art Competition was held at the Gilford Public Library on Thursday, April 14. For the second year in a row, the first place award went to a graduation senior from Inter-Lakes High School. This year’s winner was Alaina Nedeau. Alaina hopes to attend UNH in the fall, majoring in art education. Second place went to Ella Irving from Belmont High School, with third place going to Danielle Giardini from Gilford High School. Also placing in the competition were Meghan Hodge from Inter-Lakes and Saje Merrill from Gilford.

Annalee Thorndike, was the co-founder of Annalee Dolls in Meredith along with her husband Chip. In 2000, Annalee set up a permanent education endowment, for the purpose of funding scholarships for students in the greater Lakes Region, who intended to pursue an art related degree. 

Joan Frates, LRSF Board president, was the event chairman for a second year. When speaking with Ms. Frates she commented on the presentation by the Thorndikes saying, “The presentation by Karen and Chuck Thorndike of Annalee's story — her strength, struggles and successes is certainly the highlight of the awards night each year. Her story is still relevant today to anyone starting out in the arts world.”