GREENSBORO, Ga. — The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties donated $1,000 to the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) in support of their ongoing commitment to arts education and scholarship programs. The contribution will help fund a variety of OPAS initiatives designed to enrich the lives of local students and foster a love for the performing arts in the community.

OPAS has long been dedicated to providing access to arts education and professional development opportunities for young people in the area. This year, OPAS has made significant strides toward these goals with several key initiatives:

• Five College Performing Arts Scholarships: OPAS awarded scholarships to five talented local students to further their education in the performing arts, providing them with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams of a career in theater, musicor dance.

• Summer Camp Scholarships for Broadway Intensive at the Plaza Arts Center: OPAS provided 25 scholarships to local students, enabling them to attend the Broadway Intensive summer camp, where they performed the musical “Working” at the Plaza Arts Center. This hands-on experience introduced young artists to the world of theater production.

• Dance Scholarships for The Arts Barn: Three students were awarded dance scholarships to The Arts Barn, allowing them to develop their skills in various dance disciplines and gain exposure to professional-level training.

• Virginia Repertory Theater’s “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad”: In collaboration with the Virginia Repertory Theater, OPAS brought the powerful production of “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” to the Rock Eagle facility, where it was seen by over 900 local students. The performance offered a meaningful educational experience that brought history to life for the young audience.

• Masterclasses and Guest Artist Visits: OPAS presented several masterclasses to local music students, led by visiting guest artists. These workshops provided invaluable mentoring and instruction in a range of musical disciplines.

• Virtual Music Lessons (OPAS Lesson Bank): Through the OPAS Lesson Bank, five students were awarded virtual music lessons with world-class instructors in trumpet, trombone, and private voice. This program has expanded access to expert musical instruction for students in remote or underserved areas.

The $1,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties will directly support these programs, helping OPAS continue its vital work of bringing arts education, cultural opportunities, and professional mentorship to local youth.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Rotary Club,” said Doug LeBrecque, OPAS artistic director. “Their donation helps us to expand our arts education programs and ensure that more students in our community have access to the transformative power of the performing arts.”

The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties has long been a key supporter of local education and community development initiatives. Through this partnership with OPAS, they are continuing to foster the growth of young artists and provide new opportunities for creative expression in the region.

For more information about OPAS and its educational programs, visit opas.org.