The Contemporary Theater Company awards merit-based scholarships each year to local high school graduates. Please check back in the spring of 2012 for the application for the third annual scholarships.

In the meantime, please read about our past winners, who represent four outstanding local graduates.

2011 Winners

The Contemporary Theater Company awarded two $250 scholarships in the spring of 2011 to recognize local graduates that incorporate the arts into their lives.

The company awarded scholarships to Laine Wagner, a 2011 graduate of Narragansett High School, and Thomas "TJ" Cienki, a 2011 graduate of The Prout School.

The acting bug bit Ms. Wagner, 18, during sophomore year. Since her debut performance as Chris Gorman in "Rumors," the Narragansett resident has been part of four productions. For her senior school project she produced and directed a series of one-act plays. She plans to major in theater at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Mr. Cienki, 18, is a talented singer and a fixture in community theater. The East Greenwich resident made bringing the arts to others - whether middle school students or senior citizens - a staple of his high school career. He plans to major in vocal performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston.

2010 Winners

The Contemporary Theater Company awarded two local graduates $250 scholarships in the spring of 2010 in recognition of their passion for the arts and outstanding academic achievement.

The company awarded its first-ever scholarships to Alison Donnelly, a 2010 graduate of Narragansett High School, and Joanne Wilkens, a 2010 graduate of The Prout School.

Ms. Donnelly, 17, has been a staple on the local theater circuit for many years and carries an outstanding report card. She plans to attend American University and major in theater.

Ms. Wilkens, 18, is a frequent face at theater productions throughout South County and hopes to one day own her own theater company. She plans to attend Syracuse University and major in musical theater.

The Contemporary Theater Company initially planned to award a single $250 scholarship. The board of directors agreed to award two after reviewing the applications. Two board members stepped forward with donations to pay for the additional scholarship.