By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Photos
A Bennington High School junior is being recognized among the state’s most talented young artists.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts honored 68 students from more than 40 high schools during its annual Nebraska Young Artist Awards Day on March 25 in Lincoln. The program celebrates outstanding 11th-grade students across disciplines including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and film and emerging media.
Among those selected was Bennington’s Liliana Martic, recognized for her achievements in music.
Students applied for the competitive honor by submitting samples of their work, with faculty selecting participants from a pool of 92 applicants statewide. Those chosen were invited to campus for a day of activities that included facility tours, class visits, and opportunities to connect with faculty and current students, culminating in an awards ceremony.
For Martic, the recognition reflects years of dedication to her craft.
“Being recognized for this honor is honestly amazing,” she said. “I’ve always done music since I was born basically and I am so glad that my hard work has paid off enough to be recognized.”
Throughout the day, award recipients were joined by their families and educators, including teachers nominated by the students for their mentorship and support. The celebration concluded with students receiving certificates and a commissioned piece of original artwork created by a student in UNL’s School of Art, Art History & Design.
Martic said the experience was not only meaningful, but also memorable.
“I honestly had a lot of fun when I went to the awards ceremony because a lot of my friends were there,” she said.
Music has long been central to Martic’s life, both in and out of the classroom. She is currently enrolled in two music classes and continues to pursue additional opportunities beyond school.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life and I cannot imagine my life without it,” she added.
Looking ahead, Martic plans to continue her musical journey at the collegiate level, with aspirations of studying music education.
“I intend on doing music education when I get into college,” she said. “This honor helps me see my future when it comes with auditioning and putting in the effort for the scholarship.”
She credits her family as a key influence in her development as a musician.
“I think the people that have guided me to be the musician I am today are my parents,” she said. “They have always supported me no matter what, and because they’re both musicians, I grew up around constant music.”
With her sights set on the future, Martic remains grounded in gratitude and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
“I cannot be more grateful to them and I can’t wait to see what my future holds!!” she said.
