Classic Center Cultural Foundation awards scholarships to six students

The Classic Center Cultural Foundation has announced the winners of its 2016 scholarship program.

This year's culinary scholarship winner is Gracie Atsma from Athens Technical College's culinary arts program. Atsma was chosen among three finalists who were selected to prepare a dish during Athens Wine Weekend at The Classic Center in February. Athens Technical College's culinary program also received a $500 contribution from the foundation.

Twenty-four students from Clarke and surrounding counties competed for one of this year's three $2,000 Performing Arts Scholarships.

Daniel Blake McNeal, a senior from Oconee County High School, was awarded the Vocal Perfor­mance Scholar­ship. Simon Beckham, a senior at North Oconee High School, won the Drama Performance Scholarship. Linsey Chen, a senior from Cedar Shoals HighSchool, earned the Instrumental Performance Scholarship.

Each recipient's high school also received $500 for its music and arts department.

Two new scholarships were added this year to the foundation's program, expanding its reach into Rabun County. Out of six applicants, the foundation presented Vocal Performance Scholarships to Cylvie Patterson, a senior from Rabun County High School, and Bailey Baker, a senior from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. They were each awarded $2,000 scholarships, and their schools received $500.

Source: Classic Center Cultural Foundation awards scholarships to six students