For over a decade, the Oconee Performing Arts Society has resolved to enrich the lives of all students in Greene, Putnam, and surrounding county schools through multiple educational approaches.

For over a decade, the Oconee Performing Arts Society has resolved to enrich the lives of all students in Greene, Putnam, and surrounding county schools through multiple educational approaches. Recently, OPAS has been engaged in reviewing applications for college scholarships. Mindful of the staggering debt incurred by college loans, OPAS initiated a scholarship program to provide supplemental financial assistance to graduating high school students pursuing college studies in the performing arts. Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque stated, “We are proud to announce that the 2021 OPAS scholarship recipient is Helen Garcia-Carreras. Helen has been an essential member of the OPAS Family, and we are pleased to provide this scholarship to continue her Arts Education.”

Helen is highly involved in the performing arts. Her impressive resume includes such accolades as 1A-Public State One-Act Play: Best Actress, State Championship, and two-time All-Star Cast. As an original OPAS Community Youth Chorus member, she has been an avid advocate for the organization and its mission to entertain, enrich, and educate. Helen, an accomplished dancer, spent years learning and teaching dance at her family’s dance nonprofit, The Arts Barn. Helen’s talent also extends to her passion for playing musical instruments, nine to be exact. She is a 2020 Lake Oconee Academy graduate. She will attend Georgia College and State University in the fall as an Acting Major.

Miss Garcia-Carreras joins past scholarship recipients in fulfilling the OPAS education mission to the youth in our community. In addition to the scholarship program, OPAS provides several arts education programs and masterclasses to students in the Lake Oconee area, including Greene, Putnam, Morgan, Baldwin, Jasper, and Hancock counties. The diverse education performances engage thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students, expanding their horizons and igniting their creativity. Also, OPAS pairs area music students with world-class online instructors through its newly formed Lesson Bank program. 

The organization provides a beautiful voice to the students of the Lake Country through the OPAS Community Youth Chorus. The Chorus offers a creative atmosphere that nurtures self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence. To find out more about the Oconee Performing Arts Society and how to become involved in the performing arts in our community, visit www.opas.org or call 706-467-6000.