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2020 Performing and Visual Arts Scholarship winners announced

ATHENS, Ga. – The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of its 2020 Performing and Visual Arts Scholarships. Thanks to the generous donations of its members, The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is able to award over $30,000 in scholarships each year. Each of the below winners received a $2,000 scholarship, and each recipient’s high school also received $500 for their music and arts department.

Three performing arts scholarships (one dance/drama, one vocal, one instrumental) and one visual scholarship were offered for high school students in the Athens area (including contiguous counties). Many talented students applied, and Elizabeth Austin, Director of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, said, “The level of competition this year was astounding. We are so proud of all of the students who auditioned.”

Three performing arts scholarships (one dance/drama, one vocal, one instrumental) and one visual arts scholarship were offered for high school students in Rabun County. This is the first year a visual arts scholarship was available in the Rabun County region thanks to the generous support of the community and Cultural Foundation members.

One performing arts scholarship was offered for high school students in the Lake Oconee area (i.e. Greene, Putnam, and Morgan Counties). This year’s winner, Helen Garcia-Carerras, topped out several categories, ultimately claiming the prize in vocal.

Athens Area Winners:

Vivian HilyardVocal, Oconee County High School

Oconee County High School senior Vivian Hilyard is a vocal talent extraordinaire. A Georgia Honors semi-finalist in 2019, she was also accepted to the Oberlin College High School Vocal Academy and the Boston College Tanglewood Institute last summer. She plans to major in classical vocal performance in college next year.

Caleb LandInstrumental, Prince Avenue Christian School

A talent musician, senior Caleb Land has served Prince Avenue Christian School as band captain for the past two years. Selected first chair trombone for Young Harris College Honor Band and Lee University Honor Band, Caleb has been inducted into Tri-M Music Honors Society in addition to his musical talents as an Eagle Scout.

Caleb McArthurDance/Drama, North Oconee High School

A senior at North Oconee High School, Caleb McArthur is a multi-talented performer. A decorated honor thespian, Caleb was selected as Georgia’s 2017 and 2018 Region Best Actor for Region 4A in addition to participation in multiple school performances and clubs. He is currently auditioning for BFA in Musical Theatre programs throughout the country to continue his love of performing arts in college.

Shannon Lee
Visual, North Oconee High School

North Oconee High School senior Shannon Lee is a talented and awarded artist. Recipient of one Scholastic Gold Key and three Scholastic Silver Keys, Shannon is also a SCAD challenge design winner. She looks to major in communication design in college and to one day work in visual design for the film industry.

Rabun County Winners:

Cyndi CoppageDance/Drama, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Senior Cydni Coppage has taken her musical theatre and dance talents to new levels while attending Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. In 2019 and 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Cirque Award for her aerial performance. She plans to continue performing in college next year.

Olivia HarrisVocal, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

A senior at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Olivia Harris has expanded her vocal talents through involvement with her church and school choirs as well as school performances. In addition to her vocals, Olivia is also an awarded dancer that has participated with the Asheville Ballet Conservatory.

Simon ParkInstrumental, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Senior Simon Park is a very talented instrumentalist. With participation in Tri-M and orchestra, he is first chair flutist for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. He plans to further his music studies in college next year.

Sarah DeckerVisual, Rabun County High School

A Rabun County High School senior, Sarah Decker has always known that art was meant to be part of her life. Her awards include being named a finalist at the 2019 Governor’s Honors Program and a 2020 AP Art History Medal. Sarah is going to college to pursue her dream of being in art education.

Greene County Winner:

Helen Garcia-CarerrasVocal, Lake Oconee Academy

A senior at Lake Oconee Academy, Helen Garcia-Carerras is an all-around performer! Winning recognitions in band, musical theatre, and dance, Helen also has worked hard on her vocal talents. She hopes to attend Elon University where she will major in musical theatre.

Part of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation’s mission is to support the youth in our community by helping to further their education in the arts.

While a culinary cook off has not yet been able to take place due to COVID-19 gathering limitations, The Classic Center Cultural Foundation looks forward to soon being able to award the rest of the scholarships to deserving culinary or hospitality students.

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