Troy Koler exhibits a sample of his character drawings at the Bob Jones arts gala. Koler and Ernesto Rodriguez earned 2014 Visual Arts Achievement Scholarships. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Troy Koler and Ernesto Rodriguez at Bob Jones High School have received two of the five 2014 Visual Arts Achievement Scholarships.

Alabama State Council for the Arts sponsors these scholarships.

To compete, seniors across Alabama are allowed to submit portfolios consisting of 15 pieces of art. Only five scholarships are awarded statewide, and Koler and Rodriguez earned two.

Robin Lakso was their art instructor at Bob Jones.

The Visual Arts Achievement program encourages young artists to showcase their work and offers opportunities for advanced training beyond high school. Students in grades 6-12 in public schools can participate. Students in private studios are not eligible.

For more information, visit arts.state.al.us/programs.