EPAC Awards $2,500 in Scholarships to 5 Area Graduating Seniors

The Endicott Performing Arts Center located at 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott is pleased to announce the names of the recipients of the 2013 EPAC Devin Spears Memorial Scholarship. The 5 recipients will each receive a scholarship of $500 to assist with their higher education in the arts.

This year's award winners include:

• Ilana Lieberman – Vestal High School attending SUNY Fredonia – B.F.A. acting
• Lillian Tomik – Union Endicott High School attending New York University- Film Production
• Alex Bojan – Union Endicott High School attending B.C.C. – Music Education
• Dallas Elwood - Union Endicott High School attending B.C.C. – Theater Performance
• Sarah Vail – Union Endicott High School attending Bucknell University –Dance.

The EPAC Devin Spears Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Devin Spears, a member of the EPAC Kids Theater Workshop and starred as Dorothy in the workshop s 2001 production of "The Wiz." Devin and her mother Valerie were tragically murdered in 2002. Many thanks to all who assisted in this year's fundraising event! Since its inception, the EPAC Devin Spears Scholarship Fund has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

"It's very gratifying to be able to help the young people of our community pursue their dreams," says EPAC Director Patrick Foti. "It's just another way that illustrates how community theater helps make our community a better place to live. Our heartiest congratulations go out to the recipients."

Devin Spears Scholarship Talent Showcase

The Endicott Performing Arts Center Theater located at 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott will present a fundraising showcase on Saturday, February 16 at 8:00 PM at EPAC’s Robert Eckert Theater located at 102 Washington Ave. in Endicott. All proceeds from the showcase will benefit the "Devin Spears Memorial Scholarship Fund". The fund awards scholarships to local graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education in the arts.

Since its inception, EPAC has awarded over $22,500 in scholarships to area students in memory of Devin Spears since its inception.

The Devin Spears Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded in memory of Devin Spears who was a member of the EPAC Kids' Theater Workshop and starred as "Dorothy" in the workshop's 2001 production of "The Wiz". Devin and her mother Valerie were tragically murdered in 2002. "Devin was a young lady who believed in living life to the fullest and following her dreams, " says EPAC Executive Director Lou Ligouri. "We think that it's very fitting that the scholarship fund in her name will assist aspiring young artists in pursuing their dreams."

The showcase will feature song, dance and instrumental performances by many of the area's most talented performers as well as special appearances by Broadway performers from the National Touring shows "Grease", "Hairspray", "Rock Of Ages", “Dream Girls" and more!! This year’s show will be hosted by Stephen Michael Kane who is currently starring in the hit Broadway national tour “Rock of Ages”, as well as Jessica Pucek as co-host. The show will feature music ranging from Broadway standards to contemporary pop and rock. Groups from area school music departments will also be performing. A basket raffle during the show with many theme gift baskets will also be available to benefit the scholarship fund.

Tickets to the showcase are $15, Reserved Seating, $12 for seniors and students. Tickets are available by calling the EPAC Box Office at785-8903 or by clicking on the TICKETS button at the right. 

Those unable to attend the show but wanting to contribute to the Devin Spears scholarship Fund can send their donations payable to “EPAC Devin Spears Scholarship Fund” to EPAC at 102 Washington Ave., Endicott, NY.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing a career in the arts should contact their high school guidance counselor or EPAC for scholarship application forms for 2013. Call 785-8903 for more information or email EndicottPA@endicottarts.com .