2016 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winners
Kudzu Playhouse proudly announces the 2016 recipients of its two annual scholarships – The Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship and the Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship. While the primary criteria for both awards is involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising and promotion, students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Both awards are designed to help young people further their educational goals. The 2016 winners of both awards each have a deep-rooted love for theatre and have dedicated much of their youth to helping cultivate the performing arts in our community. Kudzu Playhouse is proud to support both of these talented young people as they pursue their dreams.
The Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Award recognizes a student whose participation in the arts has affected significant personal growth in areas such as performance skills, technical skills, public speaking, self-confidence / esteem, or an appreciation of literature and the performing arts.
The 2016 Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Award recipient is Jacob Vogelsang, son of Craig and Teresa Vogelsang and a recent graduate of Hernando High School. In addition to performing in numerous productions at Hernando High School, Kudzu Playhouse, and throughout the Mid-South, Jacob is always ready to lend a hand backstage and behind the scenes. “Theatre has played a big role in my life, “says Jacob. “It has helped me become a better public speaker, improved my performance skills, increased with my self-confidence, and taught me the value of teamwork and personal responsibility.” Jacob has recently begun his Musical Theatre studies at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
The Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award is dedicated in honor of a longtime supporter of the arts in DeSoto County, and specifically Kudzu Playhouse. The award recognizes a student who understands the importance of maintaining and supporting arts programs in our community and/or schools and has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and supporting these programs through participation in a variety of live performance activities.
The 2016 Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award recipient is Sophi Cassino, daughter of Brian Cassino and Tobi Foster and a recent graduate of Lewisburg High School. Sophi has participated in numerous live theatrical productions throughout the Mid-South, volunteered for several years as a summer theatre camp counselor, and assisted backstage on countless productions. “The arts in our schools and our community is more than just a way for kids to stay out of trouble outside of school,” says Sophi. “It’s about supporting one another and pushing ourselves beyond the limits the world has set for us. Theatre teaches us that you can still work together despite the differences.” Sophi is a new freshman at Mississippi State University, pursuing a degree in Communications with a concentration in Theatre.
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