Each year, the St. Johns Cultural Council awards its Junior ROWITA (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts) fellowship to female high school residents of St. Johns County who have excelled in visual, performing or literary arts. This fellowship – funded by donations to the Cultural Council – provides financial support for continued education in the arts.
This year’s Junior ROWITA honorees are Rachel Boyd, Bello Gallo, Devin Mantei and Madison Mintzer.
Boyd is a St. Augustine High School Senior and a resident of Hastings. She is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has excelled as a member of St. Augustine High School’s choirs.
Gallo is a Senior who lives in the St. Johns/Fruit Cove area and attends Creekside High School. She is a visual artist working in media including two-dimensional and textile art. Gallo plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design after graduation, where she will study animation and industrial design.
Mantei, from Vilano Beach, attends St. Augustine High School and studies and teaches at Abella’s School of Dance. She is a performer who has danced roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy and Dorothy in the St. Augustine Ballet’s presentations of "The Nutcracker" and "The Wizard of Oz." Mantei plans to continue her studies at Florida Southern College.
St. Augustine High School Senior Mintzer is a voice student and actor who has performed in many musical theatre productions, both at SAHS and local community theatres. Her roles have included Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors," Alice in "Bright Star" and Mrs. Banks in "Mary Poppins." Mintzer plans to attend the University of Central Florida to pursue a bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre in the fall.
The Junior ROWITA program is affiliated with the annual ROWITA Awards founded by Dr. Gail Pflaster. For more information about ROWITA, visit www.stjohnsculture.com/grants-awards/rowita-awards.
June 15, 2026
