Orlando native and SCAD fashion student finalist in one of the nation's top fashion competitions

SAVANNAH, GA (01/03/2013)(readMedia)-- Angelique Matthews, Orlando native, 2004 graduate of University High School, and currently a fashion senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design is one of only eight finalists in the 2013 YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund Geoffrey Beene National Scholarship Award competition. Matthews is competing against finalists from across the U.S. for a scholarship package worth $30,000. Matthews and her co-finalists will be honored January 8 at the YMA Scholarship dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, at which the winner of the competition will be announced.

This is a return trip to this competition for Angelique. Last year she was named a YMA Scholar, which put her into the running for this higher honor.

"I am ecstatic to be one of the 8 national finalists for this competition," said Angelique. "At last year's awards dinner, as the finalists were on the stage, I quietly promised myself I would work as hard as possible to be standing on the stage this year. This has been a challenging and fulfilling learning process."

"I have always been drawn to fashion," continues Angelique. "What we wear reflects our culture, politics, art, self-expression -- I find it a fascinating way of communication."

"This is a well-deserved honor for Angelique," Michael Fink, dean of the school of fashion, said. "This competition is judged by exacting industry experts. Her great showing is a testament to the high quality of work and professionalism."

The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the fashion industry's next generation through scholarships for education in fashion arts and business, mentorships with top designers, and internships with distinguished fashion houses.

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The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees at distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers degrees in more than 40 majors. Visit scad.edu.

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