On April 22, five Citrus County graduating high school seniors received scholarships from the Valerie Players at an event held at the Valerie Theatre in Crystal River. The scholarship winners, who plan to study theater-related activities in college, sang or danced their way across the stage as part of the event.
The winners are: Madison James Madison, 18, of Citrus High School, who won a $1,000 scholarship and plans to study acting and musical theater at Florida Southern College in Lakeland; Keira Lee, 18, a dancer and gymnast from Crystal River High School, who also won a $1,000 scholarship and plans to double major in biology and performing arts at the University of South Florida; Abrianna Hart; Belle Bedee; and Nathan Browne. Sue Whitney, president of the Valerie Players board, congratulated the students and thanked the many volunteers who’ve helped the nonprofit theater group.
The scholarship winners had to pledge they would be studying theater in college in their applications. Madison James Madison said he enjoys the range of skills and talents that musicals require of performers and that theater “brings happiness” to audiences. Keira Lee said she will continue to pursue competitive dance and that it has allowed her to challenge herself mentally and physically.
The event was a celebration of the students’ achievements and the Valerie Players’ commitment to supporting arts education in Citrus County. The Valerie Players is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for people in the community to participate in theater and other performing arts.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
