SCHOLARSHIPS The Friendswood High School Musical has presented scholarship opporturnities to its graduating cast, crew and pit band members over the last 38 years. With the establishment of the Bette Hopper Scholarship in 1979, 90 students have been awarded educational scholarships     Bette Hopper Kirkwood  Best Supporting Actor & Actress Lois Kennedy Harper  Director's Choice McLean  Eunice Kennedy Pit Band  Everett Straughn  Gailya Harris Trombatore Family

.

Bette Hopper The Bette Hopper Scholarship Fund was established prior to the 1979 production of "Guys and Dolls" to be awarded to a Friendswood High School student who has participated in at least three FHS musicals.  The scholarship is in memory of Bette Hopper who played the piano as accompanist for all the FHS musicals from 1969 to 1975, except in 1971 when she had her first bout with cancer. Between 1976 and 1978 she assisted during rehearsals and tryouts. Mrs. Hopper was dedicated to the musicals, even when she did not have a child attending the high school. She lost her fight with cancer in the summer of 1978.  You must be a graduating senior, must be a cast member of the current musical, must have participated in three Friendswood High School musicals, must have been a cast member in two of the three musicals participated in, must submit a resume of their high school activities and a letter stating why they should receive the scholarship. The final selection will be made by a committee composed of the directors. The scholarship will be presented following the second Saturday night's performance.   RECIPIENTS 2008 - Luke Landers 2007 - Caleb Brown 2006 - Caitlin Hales 2005 - Isaac Bourgeois 2004 - Jennifer Richards 2003 - Mary Beth Townsend 2002 - Jessica Schmale 2001 - Katie Purcell 2000 - Jared Bourgeois 1999 - Amber Human 1998 - Christopher Blessitt 1997 - Brooke Beauchamp 1996 - Brittany Goldsmith 1995 - Kenny Black 1994 - Cristina Quevedo 1993 - Andy Andrew  1992 - Christi Gilchrist  1991 - Sally Littlefield 1990 - Rhett Perry 1989 - Fred Nelson 1988 - Kimberly Hamilton 1987 - Jay Duffer 1986 - Melissa Amburn  1985 - Amy Adair 1984 - Johnathan Yancey  1983 - J.J. Hopkins  1982 - Mary Belan  1981 - Laurie Womack  1980 - Tony Hancock  1979 - Nancy Nelson  Lois Kennedy Harper The Lois Kennedy Harper Musical Scholarship was established in 1995 to honor a student nominated, but not selected for a musical scholarship, by the directors. This student must be a graduating senior, must have participated in three Friendswood High School musicals, and must have been nominated by one of the directors for either the Harris, Hopper, Kennedy, or Best Supporting Actor and Actress Scholarship. This scholarship was not presented in 1996 or 1998. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Not Awarded 2007 - Not Awarded 2006 - Erin Arnold 2005 - Melissa Limmer 2004 - Whitney Fields 2003 - Amy Ellisor 2002 - Blair Beltz 2001 - Kevin Pierson  2000 - Jenny Haslund 1999 - Bobby Kessling 1998 - Not Awarded 1997 - Mary Ellisor 1996 - Not Awarded 1995 - Stephen Paul

Eunice Kennedy The award is named in honor of Eunice Kennedy, mother of Myrlene Kennedy, director or producer of all but two of the musical productions held at Friendswood High School. The Eunice Kennedy Outstanding Musical Award was established in 1979 to honor the student or students selected by the directors and their fellow cast members as having demonstrated an outstanding performance in the current musical production.   Mrs. Kennedy was a strong supporter of all Friendswood High School activities for twenty-eight years. She attended almost every performance of the first nineteen musicals presented at Friendswood and was deeply honored when the Eunice Kennedy Outstanding Musical Award was established.  The 1988 "Mame" Cast, Crew, and Pit Band honored the memory of Mrs. Kennedy who passed away November 8, 1987 with the presentation of the plaque which hangs in the foyer of the auditorium. The 1988 production of "Mame" was also presented in her honor. Cast members eligible for selection must be seniors, be nominated by the directors, and be selected by their fellow cast members. Once senior boy and one senior girl are selected to receive the honor each year. The award is presented following the second Saturday night's performance. In 1981, a scholarship was established for this award.  RECIPIENTS 2008 - Leanna Swain, Zane Forsythe 2007 - Megan Krusleski Peter Bourgeois 2006 - Whitney Smith, David Attebury 2005 - Alyson Currey, Mitchell Blanchard 2004 - Ryan Mora, Jason Barringer 2003 - Colette Currie, Conor O'Neill 2002 - Megan Shuffle, David Deatherage 2001 - Jessica Richards, Bj Warminski 2000 - Mandy Thomas, Danny Kirkwood 1999 - Carrie Devescovi, Wes Hickey 1998 - Kara Felder, Justin Weatherall 1997 - Christina Roberts, Gavin Everett 1996 - Gina Quevedo, Indi Wijay 1995 - Jillian Sweeney, Travis Watson 1994 - Georgeanne McLean, Trey Welch 1993 - Sherran Manning, Bo Goodgame 1992 - Kristen Sanitlli, Kevin Kabell 1991 - Kristan Johnson, Owen Egerton 1990 - Wendi Rodgers, Chris Mezzino 1989 - Ashley Sloan, Gabe Santos 1988 - Leslie Bell, Jeff Oldham 1987 - Molly Smith, Bobby Senter 1986 - Jennie Anderson, Bobby Paul  1985 - Kelly Wick  1984 - Jana Mora, Brian Larrison 1983 - Kimberly Paul, Chris Smith 1982 - Karen Svejkovsky, Chad Smith 1981 - Nona Nelson, Van Williams 1980 - Lori Boyd, Kelly Williams 1979 - Catherine Carter

Gailya Harris The Gailya Harris Scholarship has been established to be presented to a Friendswood High School student who has participated in four FHS musicals. The scholarhsip is in memory of Gailya Harris, the mother of four FHS students - Graduates Holly, Hunter, Chad and Rodney. Gailya was best described as a dedicated wife and mother.  Gaiyla's first contact with the FHS musicals came in 1987 when her daughter, Holly, played in the pit band. In 1987 Hunter joined the cast of "Mame", and not long after Gaiyla said, "I wish you would get Chad involved." With Chad also making his stage debut in 1988, the show business bug had taken hold of the Harris family. Chad went on to play lead parts in "The Music Man" and in "The Pajama Game", and Rodney joined the tradition in 1990 when he followed in the footsteps of his brothers and sister and became part of the FHS Musical Family.   When Ed talked about this scholarship, he said, "Gaiyla really loved the musical." This love was demonstrated by many things. You would often find Gailya and Ed sitting in the back of the auditorium during rehearsals enjoying every minute of it. She wasn't just an ovservedr, she served on several of the parent committees. Her final contribution was working to ensure that the cast party for "The Pajama Game" would be a great success. She loved being a part of her children's school activities, and she was always there to give her support. Gaiyla died May 12, 1990, following a short battle with cancer. Her quick smile and willingness to help in any way possible is missed by her family and the many friends who knew and loved her.  RECIPIENTS 2008 - Chase Borne 2007 - Michelle Bossert 2006 - Paul Stuart 2005 - Molly Black 2004 - Sam Robinson 2003 - Kenton Kirkpatrick 2002 - Chris Harris  2001 - Bobby Kirkpatrick 2000 - Barrett Goldsmith 1999 - Ryan Maslak 1998 - John Ramsey  1997 - Kevin Held  1996 - Rollin Weatherall  1995 - Sara Kabell 1994 - Tanya Santilli 1993 - Kris Rives 1992 - Michael Hughes

Mary Jane "Janie" Straughn The Straughn Scholarship has been established to be presented to a Friendswood High School student who has participated in three or more FHS musicals. The scholarship is named in honor of Mary Jane Straughn, mother of Jane Ann Quevedo, vocal music director of 20 FHS musicals. Mrs. Straughn was an accomplished musician herself and attended many FHS musicals during the time her granddaughters, Cristina in five (1994) and Gina in four (1996), appeared in FHS musicals.   RECIPIENTS 2008 - Kristen Moffatt 2007 - Robert Dinjar 2006 - Laurianne Balkum 2005 - Katie Davidson 2004 - Lauren Kyle 2003 - Courtney Smith 2002 - Henna Tayyeb 2001 - Addie Robinson 2000 - Angie Payne    Trombatore Family The Trombatore Family Scholarship has been established as an open scholarship to be presented to a graduating senior member of the musical family. B.C. Trombatore Gussie Trombatore RECIPIENTS 2008 - Ryan Berry 2007 - Jacob Burns 2006 - Jake Potter 2005 - Matt Rickard 2004 - Ryan Kistenmacher 2003 - Matt Timme

The Best Supporting Actor & Actress The Best Supporting Actor and Actress Scholarship goes to the graduating seniors selected by the directors for having demonstrated an outstanding performance in a supporting role in the current musical production. The award is presented following the second Saturday night's performance. Prior to 1997, this scholarship was known as the Trusty Best Supporting Actor and Actress Scholarship. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Heather Limmer, Seth Ramsey 2007 - Kassie Parker, Baker Goldsmith 2006 - Trudy Taylor, Tyler Millen 2005 - Eryn Pendley, Eric Van Hal 2004 - Alison Hunter 2003 - Sami Montemayor, Brian Y'Barbo 2002 - Rachel Kyle, Luke Kirkwood 2001 - Sarah Salinas, Todd Norris 2000 - Emily Latour, Cody Easterbrook 1999 - Meredith Savage, John Panzarella 1998 - Shauna McLean, Brian Jarrell 1997 - Truley Welch, Shawn Pace 1996 - Wendy Ward, Christopher Ming 1995 - Stephanie Schmutz, Richie Ramsey 1994 - Courtney F. Wissinger, Mark D. Posey 1993 - Julie Candy, Sterling Schmutz 1992 - Angie Rodgers, Dan Seckel

Piano Lady Pit Band The "Piano Lady" Scholarship has been established to be presented to a pit band member who is a graduating senior and has played in two or more musicals. The recipient of this scholarship has demonstrated musical skill and dedication throughout rehearsals and performances and meeting the requirements demonstrated for a fine arts credit. The selection will be made by the directors and will be presented following the second Saturday night performance. This scholarship is given by Laurie "Piano Lady" Purcell, the accompanist for the musical for six years and her loving husband Jim in honor of all the young men and women who work so hard to make the musical a success. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Daniel Brownfield 2007 - Travis Urban 2006 - Bob Eason 2005 - Michelle Wang 2004 - Taylor Cox 2003 - Angelica Spradley 2002 - Robbie Wang 2001 - Stephanie Gaudiano  2000 - Neil Gibson

McLean The McLean Scholarship has been established to be presented to a Friendswood High School student who has participated in two or more FHS musicals as a crew member. Mark and Lynn McLean are the parents of two FHS graduates, Georgeanne ('94) and Shauna ('98). Both participated in four FHS musicals during their high school careers. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Kelli Philp 2007 - Jill Swindells 2006 - Austin Howell 2005 - Ethan Barcak 2004 - John Zendt 2003 - Brandon Nowalk 2002 - Sarah Zoghbi 2001 - Ryan Russell 2000 - Nick Skeen 1999 - Greg Goff

Directors' Choice The Directors' Choice Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor a student that had participated in the FHS Musical for three or more years as a member of the cast, crew and/or pit band. This student must be a graduating senior, must be nominated by one of the directors, and posses the qualities of dedication, hard working, dependability, and loyalty. This scholarship will be given on an as needed basis as determined by the directors. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Not Awarded 2007 - Jason Finch 2006 - Jon Stewart 2005 - Cale Borne 2004 - Not Awarded 2003 - Not Awarded 2002 - Adam Bourgeois

Kirkwood The Kirkwood Scholarship has been established to be presented to two Friendswood High School students who have participated in two or more FHS musicals in the cast, crew and/or pit band. Dr. Bo and Cherry Kirkwood created this scholarship to honor their sons, Danny ('00), a two year FHS musical cast member and Luke ('02), a four year FHS musical cast/pit band member. RECIPIENTS 2008 - Andrea Richards, Colton Royle 2007 - Audrey Huffman, Tyler Beveridge 2006 - Amanda Nerstra, David Harris 2005 - Courtney Dowden, Matt Koncaba 2004 - Meghan Jarrell, Erin Scott 2003 - Jennifer Dupont, Caleb Brown

Everett The Everett Scholarship was established in 2006 by June Everett to be presented to a Friendswood High School student who has participated in four FHS musicals and who has demonstrated the true meaning of "Espirit De Corps" - "in the spirit of the group." The graduating senior selected by the directors is one who may have never had a solo, made the front row of a dance, uttered a single word from the stage, or be named stage manager, head of the light crew or sound crew, or played first chair in the pit band. But they did make every rehearsal, gave 110% to the musical regardless of their assignment and the directors know the presence of this student made a difference in the success of the show.   Mrs. Everett's son, Gavin ('97) , appeared in four FHS musicals during his high school career including "My Fair Lady", "Fiddler on the Roof", "South Pacific" and "The Sound of Music." RECIPIENTS 2008 - Grace Hawkins 2007 - Brittany Disiere 2006 - Laura Nerstra