HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE AWARDED FOR THEIR ARTISTIC MERITS AT THE PALACE THEATRE

Westmoreland Cultural Trust will continue its tradition of honoring high school seniors from 18 schools across Westmoreland County for excellence in Visual Art, Instrumental Performance, Theatre Performance, and Vocal Performance. Sixty-four awardees were chosen for their artistic merits by faculty and advisors at their respective schools.  

The 24th Annual Achievement in the Arts Award ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 19 at The Palace Theatre. The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm, which follows a reception with appetizers starting at 5:30 pm.   

“There is an abundance of young talented artists Westmoreland County, and we are honored to recognize these students for their hard work,” said Westmoreland Cultural Trust CEO April Kopas. “As these artists embark on the next chapter of their lives, our hope is that they continue to use their abilities to improve their communities.”  

The celebration will be hosted by Judge Scott O. Mears, Jr. of Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court. Members of the cultural community will be presenting the awards for each category. Presenters are Janice Decker (Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Board Member), Greggory Brandt (Saint Vincent College Theatre Professor, Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Director and Westmoreland Cultural Trust Board Member), Erica Nuckles (Westmoreland Museum of Modern Art Director of Learning, Engagement, and Partnerships), and Chris Bartley (University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Chorale and Chamber Singers Conductor and Music Instructor).   

“I am honored to be carrying on the legacy of Judges Pezze and McCormick who were an integral part of the inaugural awards ceremony in 1999 and for many years after,” stated Judge Scott Mears. “To continue this longstanding tradition of recognizing Westmoreland County high school students for their artistic merits is something I look forward to each year. It is my hope that this ceremony will inspire these outstanding artists to continue to foster their talents long after graduation and enrich the world with their creative endeavors.”  

Thanks to the generosity of Smail Mazda, one student in each award category will be entered to win a $375 scholarship at the event.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at westmorelandculturaltrust.org or through The Palace Theatre Box Office directly by phone at 724-836-8000. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm with Saturday phone service from 10 am to 2 pm.