Twelve South County high school seniors have received a total of $35,000 in scholarships to further their studies in the performing arts this fall.
The recipients of 2026 Clark Center Scholarships include students from Arroyo Grande High School, Pacific View Academy, Central Coast New Tech High School, and Nipomo High School. Criteria for selection included the student’s involvement in and passion for the performing arts, demonstrated skills, and dedication to performing arts as a future career or being part of their adult life.
Now in its 23rd year and having awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to some 140 graduating high school seniors, the Clark Center Performing Arts Scholarship program is funded by the Melick and Arlene Mendel Estate, the Ron & Bernie Kautz Memorial Scholarship Fund, Carol & Bill Rust, Nichols Foundation West, the Sandy Lubin Memorial Fund, the Devonshire Fund, the Roland Longboya Fund, the Brent D. Keith Memorial Fund, Joan Gellert-Sargen, and Corki Clark-Henderson.
Students earning 2026 scholarships are (see photo, beginning at top left) Avé Castaños, Dylan Williamson, Nico Monge, Charlotte Klopfer, Cheyenne Farias, Sean Oksner, Constance Currie, BellaKai Peña, Josie Lewis, Ashlyn Wyckoff, Patrick Keith, and Aurian Oliphant.