For over a decade, the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) has resolved to enrich the lives of all students in the Greene and Putnam County schools through multiple educational approaches. Mindful of the staggering debt incurred by college loans, eight years ago OPAS initiated a scholarship program to provide supplemental financial assistance to graduating high school students pursuing college studies in the performing arts.

In recent months, OPAS has reviewed applications for college scholarships. With many impressive applicants this year, OPAS awarded three scholarships to well-deserving students. Recipients include Bobby Boone, Putnam County High School; Lylli Anne Flanders, Putnam County High School; and Zak Ralston, ZEAL Christian Academy.

Bobby Boone, the recipient of the OPAS Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam County Scholarship, will attend Kennesaw State University majoring in music education and trumpet performance. 

Lylli Anne Flanders, recipient of The Carolyn Fears Academic Achievement Scholarship in memory of Carolyn Fears, OPAS Board Chair from 2018-2020, will attend Columbus State University majoring in theater arts.

Zak Ralston, the recipient of The OPAS scholarship, is attending CMC-Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tenn., a direct admittance through Greenville University. He plans to participate in their music production program. 

Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque worked with these students.

“We are proud to lend our support to these three very talented kids,” he said. 

“We have significantly expanded our Arts Education Initiatives, and it is gratifying to provide three scholarships this year,” said board chair Margie Eddy-Forbes.  

This year’s winners join previous 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 to students in the Lake Oconee area, including Greene, Putnam, Morgan, Hancock and Taliaferro counties. The diverse OPAS education performances engage thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students, expanding their horizons and igniting their creativity. OPAS also provides a beautiful voice to the students of the Lake Country through the OPAS Community Youth Chorus. The chorus offers an atmosphere that nurtures self-discipline, teamwork and confidence. The newly formed Lesson Bank Program pairs students who want to further develop their abilities with one-on-one virtual instruction with world-class instructors.