Scholarships
All High School college-bound seniors who have participated in Civic Theatre at any time are eligible to apply for both/either of our scholarships.
Congratulations to our Scholarship recipients!
Sawyer Mariga
The Justin M. Newell Memorial Scholarship
Ana Rakita
The Russell Award of Excellence
We wish you the best of luck on your upcoming collegiate adventures!
How to Apply
Justin M. Newell
Memorial Scholarship
Honoring the outstanding contributions and achievements at Civic Theatre​
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The Newell Scholarship is a $500 scholarship with the winner's name engraved on a plaque on display in Civic Theatre's Lobby.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2025
NOTIFICATION: Season Reveal!
SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION: The selection committee will consist of two representatives of the Civic Theatre Board of Directors, a Civic Theatre member-at-large (appointed by the Artistic Director) and the Artistic Director.
"In Memory of Justin M. Newell"
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Justin Matthew Newell was a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a freshman at Lafayette-Jefferson High School, where he was a technician for WJEF-FM and a radio technician for Jefferson basketball and football games.
Justin was also the Technical Director at the Civic Youth Theatre for 3 years. Among the plays he was involved with include The Play Called Noah's Flood, Treasure Island, Professor Zuccinni's Traveling Tales, Little Red Riding Wolf, David and Lisa, The Poet and the Rent, Tarheel Tales, and Wind in the Willows.
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He was also very active in Cub Scouts, was on the Cub Day Camp staff for five years, and earned the Arrow of Light and Parvuli Dei Medal with the Cub Scouts as well. He was a life Scout, a member of Troop 303 and a member of the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts. He also earned an Eagle Feather in the YMCA Indiana Guides.
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Justin was 14 when he lost his life on January 23, 1996 but at Civic Theatre we remember his incredible contributions to Civic Youth Theatre and beyond.
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The Russell Award
Honoring outstanding volunteerism
towards Civic Theatre
The Russell Award is a $500 cash scholarship with the winner’s name engraved on a plaque on display in Civic Theatre's lobby.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2025
NOTIFICATION: Season Reveal!
SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION: The selection committee will consist of two representatives of the Civic Theatre Board of Directors, a Civic Theatre member-at-large (appointed by the Artistic Director) and the Artistic Director.
“In Memory of J Harrison Russell”
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J Harrison Russell (Harry, to his friends and family) was a gifted violinist who could not only play beautiful classical pieces in a quiet quartet, but could also fiddle a bluegrass song in a crowded, noisy bar. He also played the guitar, was a talented vocalist, and wrote beautiful music with his friends and family. He loved to perform with his dad in their band, The Friendly Harrys.
Harry was a generous soul who loved his friends and family. He also loved his country and was stationed at Hurlburt Air Force Base with the First Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. He was always willing to join in and be a helpful part of any group and that group was lucky to have him.
Harry was a few months away from his 21st birthday when he committed suicide. When Harry left us too soon, the Russell family wanted to honor his memory by highlighting with joy, not sorrow, the accomplishments of those who have contributed so much to their chosen group – Civic Theatre.
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