Celia DeFazio, a senior at Jenkintown High School enrolled in Eastern Center for Arts and Technology’s Design, Photography, and Illustration program, has received a Student Spotlight in honor of National Women’s History Month.

From their announcement:

Celia’s love for art has been influenced by her parents’ creative backgrounds—her mother’s expertise as a visual artist and her father’s musical talents. From the third grade onward, Celia has immersed herself in art classes, diligently refining her skills and nurturing her innate creativity. It was during a seventh-grade EASTERN presentation at Jenkintown that she first discovered the Design, Photography, and Illustration program tailored for high school juniors and seniors.

“I instantly knew that I wanted to dedicate more of my school time to art,” she reminisced. With a clear career aspiration in mind, Celia’s goal is to pursue a path in animation. “In animation, the possibilities are endless,” she explained. “You can bring any imaginable world, character, or machine to life and seamlessly integrate them into the narrative you’ve created. Animation allows for the utilization of symbolism, shape language, and other techniques that are often limited in other mediums.”

When reflecting on National Women’s History Month, Celia’s thoughts gravitate towards the remarkable and iconic women who have left indelible marks on history, such as Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, and the First Ladies. “I see women as a collective, a united force,” Celia remarked. “It hasn’t always been easy to be a woman, and sometimes it still isn’t, but these women serve as a profound source of inspiration.” Frida Kahlo, in particular, stands out to Celia for her resilience in the face of adversity and the amazing art she created from her experiences. “My mom introduced me to her artwork; she’s one of my mom’s idols,” Celia shared.

Celia also draws inspiration from the resilience of her mother and grandmother. Reflecting on her family’s history, she admires her grandmother’s remarkable achievements, noting that she worked her way up in a male-dominated field by becoming Director of IT at a law firm in center city. “She’s always been such a strong woman,” Celia remarked, acknowledging her grandmother’s enduring strength and determination.

At EASTERN, Celia displays her talents by participating in SkillsUSA competitions, including Pin Design, Promotional Bulletin Board, and Photography. At Jenkintown High School, Celia channels her musical and acting abilities into various school events and activities. Celia has taken on lead roles in several theater productions, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Addams Family,” “Little Women,” and “Mamma Mia.” She’s excited to perform in her final show “Alice By Heart,” running March 14, 15, and 16 at Jenkintown High School. She contributes to the school community by providing entertainment for events, often showcasing her talents in guitar playing and singing. The annual talent show is one of her favorite school events. Celia actively contributes to her high school by collaborating on projects such as designing a logo for the basketball team and currently working on a new logo for the Theater department. In the community, Celia has performed original music at local events such as the annual Jenkintown Festival of the Arts and Jenkintown’s Summer Music Series. Last year, she released her first single “Tympanum,” which is streaming on all music platforms.

In the upcoming year, Celia will embark on her journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will pursue a degree in Animation. Additionally, she intends to minor in music, reflecting her passion for both visual and auditory arts. “I’m incredibly eager about starting college,” Celia expressed. “SCAD offers a rich array of festivals and opportunities that fully immerse students in their respective industries.”

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Photo: Eastern