OPAS Announces 2025–2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025–2026 Performing Arts Scholarships.

Through the generous support of donors and sponsors, OPAS continues its mission to make artistic excellence accessible to all—on stage and in the classroom. 

OPAS allows young people in our community to explore their talents, discover their creative voices, and dream big. Through the OPAS Youth Chorus, master classes given by visiting guest artists, college performing arts scholarships, summer music camp scholarships, and the OPAS Lesson Bank, we’re making the performing arts an essential part of local education and empowering the next generation of artists to make their dreams a reality.

This year’s recipients reflect a dynamic blend of artistic promise, academic achievement, and community involvement.

2025–2026 OPAS Scholarship Recipients

• Bobby Boone

  OPAS Continuing College Performing Arts Scholarship

  Bobby continues to impress with his dedication to the performing arts and his growth as a young artist. Bobby is a Kennesaw State University senior studying Music Performance with a concentration in Trumpet, a minor in African Diaspora Studies, and a Music and Entertainment Business Certificate.

• Zander Moreland

  First Year OPAS Performing Arts Scholarship

  Zander joins this year’s roster of recipients after being deeply involved with band, orchestra, drama, musical theater, and art. He will begin his freshman year at Kennesaw State, continuing his commitment to the Arts by concentrating on a degree in Music Education. 

• Ontario Williams

  Continuing Education Performing Arts Scholarship

  After graduating from Augusta University with an undergraduate degree in music, Mr. Williams had a successful tenure as the Putnam County Middle School Choir Teacher. He will continue at Valdosta State University, working towards a Master's degree in Vocal Performance.

• Jewell Morrison

  OPAS Merit Scholarship

  Awarded in recognition of Jewell’s exceptional service to the OPAS Youth Chorus and her outstanding academic and artistic achievements. This marks a historic moment as Jewell becomes the first recipient of an OPAS scholarship who is not pursuing a performing arts major, underscoring our commitment to supporting well-rounded students who exemplify the values of OPAS.

• Marielle Peguero Polanco

  OPAS Continuing Performing Arts Scholarship

  Marielle continues to shine as a dedicated student and performer, exemplifying the mission of OPAS through her artistry and perseverance. She continues for her sophomore year at Berry College, working towards a degree in Vocal Performance. Marielle maintains a 4.0 GPA.

These scholarships are more than financial support—they reflect OPAS's belief in the transformative power of the arts to change lives and uplift communities. Congratulations to our 2025–2026 scholarship recipients. Your talent, dedication, and potential inspire us all.

We always seek to reach more students, especially those without easy access to arts opportunities. If you know a young person passionate about music or performance, we’d love to help them shine.