Submitted by Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Each year the Washington Center for the Performing Arts awards a scholarship to a graduating high school senior from Thurston County who plans to study and pursue a career in the arts. The scholarship was endowed by former Washington Center Board President Sally Anacker to from a belief that the arts exist to enrich our lives. This year’s Anacker Scholar is Megan Smith, who will be graduating from Capital High School in June.
Megan has played the flute since elementary school and performs with many ensembles including Capital High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, Tacoma Youth Symphony, and the South Puget Sound Community College Jazz Band. She has worked part-time jobs to help pay for her instrument, lessons, music, and accompanist fees. Capital High School Director of Bands, Dan Lundberg, says Megan “is a very disciplined student and has a great mind set on the approach to the instrument.”
“Each application tells an amazing story about how art and music impact our lives,” says Jill Barnes, Washington Center Executive Director. Megan has worked very hard to make the most out of challenges and overcome obstacles to follow her dreams to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Megan’s ultimate goal is to teach music, and she has a personal mission to provide music education to communities that need access. “Megan exemplifies the need for the arts and music in our schools,” says Barnes. “We’ve seen time and time again that the arts build skills in confidence, public speaking, risk-taking, and creativity.”
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performance venue with a mission to inspire audiences and artists of all ages through live performances, enriching the vibrancy of our community.
For more information about upcoming events please visit www.washingtoncenter.org
