Submitted by The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, along with former board member and longtime donor to and Friend of The Center, Sally Anacker, are pleased to announce the inaugural Washington Center Anacker Scholarship for the Arts recipient. This scholarship was created to recognize, encourage and support a Thurston County scholar’s study in the field of the arts. The first student to be awarded this scholarship is Lian Eytinge from Capital High School.
Executive Director Jill Barnes presented Lian with her award June 17, during the Washington Center 2014-15 Season Preview Party. In introducing Lian to the audience, she stated “It is a happy coincidence that the 2014 Scholarship winner grew up with the Washington Center playing a vital role in her life. She played on our Mainstage as a member of SOGO, she danced in many ballet recitals here, attended 6 years of Olympia Junior Programs, and has attended many visual artist receptions.”
Sally Anacker is the original donor behind this new initiative, stating “If the arts exist to enrich our lives, and I believe that they do, then the Washington Center’s mission must surely be not only to provide the various art forms but to nurture them in our young people. I hope that, in part, a scholarship for study in the arts will serve that mission.”
The Washington Center received applicants from a variety of artistic disciplines and from many different Thurston County High Schools. All of them showed years of dedication to their craft. The Scholarship Committee evaluated the student’s capacity to succeed in school; their extracurricular activities and community service; personal obstacles that may make an applicant more worthy of consideration; life experience; career goals, and letters of recommendation highlighting the applicants overall character, achievement and promise.
The Washington Center is accepting donations to this scholarship fund as well as funds designated for the Wurlitzer Organ upkeep, programming, and educational initiatives. Please contact the Development Office at 360-753-8585 or development@washingtoncenter.org for more information.
