Woodstock Fine Arts Association awards scholarships to seven McHenry County high school seniors

Seven McHenry County high school seniors were each awarded a Woodstock Fine Arts Association scholarship this year.

Typically, the Woodstock Fine Arts Association presents a talent showcase each spring at the Woodstock Opera House, where scholarship winners perform, according to a news release.

The pandemic forced cancellation of the event this year, but each recipient’s talent showcase performance was filmed on stage at the Opera House and can be viewed on the Woodstock Opera House Facebook page.

The recipients of the scholarship, which is worth $1,500, include: Woodstock North High School graduate Valkyrie Falco for creative writing, Cary-Grove High School graduate Kailey Krigas for musical theater, Prairie Ridge High School graduate Morgan Maglente for modern dance, Cary-Grove High School graduate Jay Miller for creative writing, Johnsburg High School graduate Abigail O’Dell for voice, Crystal Lake Central High School graduate Elizabeth Pierzina for the flute and McHenry East High School graduate Jocelyn Wendy Reyes for the clarinet.

Woodstock Fine Arts Association scholarships, made in honor of Helen Wright, have been awarded since 1964 to graduating seniors in McHenry County with recognized abilities in the performing, literary and visual arts and who plan to continue their education and dedication to the arts following graduation, according to the release. Since 2010, the scholarship program has distributed awards totaling $114,500.