Three students earn scholarship to pursue degrees in art
The Bethany Area Repertory Theater awarded three scholarship on Friday, July 22 to three recent high school graduates, all from Cape Henlopen High School.
Melissa McCloy, Morgan Hurlock and Aaron Latta-Morissette were all awarded $1,000 scholarships to pursue fields related to the arts at the college level.
"This is the first year we have been able to give these scholarships," said Bob Davis, who helped create the Bethany Area Repertory Theater. "These kids are fantastic. The scholarships could not have gone to more deserving students."
Bethany Area Repertory Theater, or BART, is a non-profit organization which puts on plays at the Dickens Parlour Theater to raise money for scholarships for students interested in studying the arts in college.
"All money raised by BART goes to help with our scholarship fund," Davis said.
The scholarships are not limited to performing arts. Students interested in visual arts, including graphic design, and music may also be awarded the scholarship.
Melissa McCloy was one of the students who was awarded the $1,000 scholarship. McCloy will be going to Lehigh University to study journalism and graphic design.
"I'm most looking forward to new experiences and getting out of my comfort zone," she said.
McCloy said her favorite part of high school was working on her school newspaper, which inspired her to pursue a career in journalism, first as a reporter and then pursuing a job as an editor.
"I also enjoyed being on the dance team," she said.
Morgan Hurlock was awarded the scholarship so she could pursue a career in music education. Hurlock will be attending the University of Delaware where she plans on majoring in instrumental music education.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and studying with people who have similar interests in music," Hurlock said.
Studying and playing jazz music with both the jazz ensemble at Cape Henlopen High School and as a part of the All State Jazz Ensemble was her favorite part of high school.
"I want to be a music educator and a professional saxophonist at the same time once I am graduated from college," Hurlock said.
Aaron Latta-Morissette already has appeared on camera in several films, TV shows and commercials and plans on continuing to appear on camera as he attends the New York Film Academy.
"I am really looking forward to learning about the craft and being on camera instead of a stage," he said. "I am also really excited to be able to audition for shows every day. The New York Film Academy is really in a prime location."
Being a part of Cape Henlopen's theater department was Latta-Morissette's favorite part of high school.
"When I get to college," he said, "I am planning on perfecting my skills, I want to be in everything, and then have a name and a reputation. I want to change people's lives for the better through my acting."
BART has an create a "20 by 20" initiative, a plan to award 20 scholarships to Sussex County students interested in the arts by the year 2020.
"We are hoping to award five scholarships next year," Davis said.
rghughes@dmg.gannett.com
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