The Classic Center Cultural Foundation announces its 2014 performing arts scholarship recipients

ATHENS, Ga. – The Classic Center Cultural Foundation recently awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarships to three local high school performing arts students.

One of the goals of the Foundation is to support the youth in the local community to continue their study of the arts. The Foundation awards three $1,000 scholarships annually in the areas of vocal performance, musical instrument and one for performance art: drama/dance. Additionally, $500 is awarded to each of the winners’ school arts programs. Any high school junior or senior in Athens-Clarke or surrounding counties is eligible to apply.

On April 22, 26 applicants auditioned for the scholarships. The three judges were Dr. George C. Foreman, director of the UGA Performing Arts Center, Stephanie Pierce, vocal instructor at the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music and Gwen O’Looney, member of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation Board of Trustees.

“There was some strong competition this year with so many applicants,” said Meredith Metcalf, director of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation. “We were thrilled to have so many talented students apply.”

Instrumental Scholarship Winner
Rudy Paul Montayre is a rising senior at Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School. In addition to his award-winning piano performance, he has participated in statewide honors including the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Competition in piano, the Georgia Independent Schools’ Association Honor Band in saxophone, Northeast District 4-H Competition in Performing Arts, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and was second chair in saxophone for the All-Select Honor Band.Rudy was also nominated for Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in Performing Arts for Jazz Saxophone. In addition to his musical talents, he is a member of the National Honor Society, letters in tennis, served as Junior Class President and participated in 2014 Youth Leadership Athens. Rudy is also very involved with his community serving as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Feed the Hungry Program and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Vocal Scholarship Winner
Marina Theresa Byrne is a rising senior at Clarke Central High School. As a musical theatre and vocal enthusiast, she has been cast in eight performances and played several feature roles with Athens Creative Theatre and Clarke County productions including Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” and Fantine in “Les Miserables.”In addition to musical theatre, Marina is a member of her school’s Honors Chorus, an inducted member of the Georgia Thespian Society, a member of the Clarke Central Drama club, a participant of the SSHS Honors Improv Troupe and co-president of the Clarke Central Spanish Honors Society. She has also performed the National Anthem for Clarke Central High School’s JROTC Honors Night.

Dance/Drama Winner
Helen Tian Chen is a rising senior at Athens Academy. A gifted dancer, she has performed in multiple elite dance competitions including the International Dance Challenge and the Youth American Grand Prix. She has been awarded the top overall score in ensembles at the Youth American Grand Prix and second place in the advanced soloist category at the Showstopper Dance Competition, along with many other honors.In addition to her accomplishments in dance, she competes in piano, is the co-president of her school’s Latin Club and will be the upcoming leader of the Math team. In her spare time, Helen gives back to her community by participating in weekly dinners at the Athens Area Homeless Shelter.

Visit www.ClassicCenter.com to learn more about the Classic Center Cultural Foundation.