Washougal music students receive scholarships

Washougal School District students Tia Williams and Ben Termini have been awarded $500 scholarships from Enspire Arts, a Camas-based nonprofit organization, for demonstrating an outstanding passion for art and a heart for their community. 

The students can use the scholarships for private art instruction, skills workshops and/or summer study, according to a news release issued by the district.

“Both Tia and Ben stood out to us with their strong enthusiasm for the art of music and their heart for wanting to bring comfort and joy to those who are going through challenging times of illness,” Enspire Arts president Sarah Lightfoot said. 

Williams and Termini developed their passion for vocal arts as young children. Both students grew up learning music, cultivating their passion for the arts at after-school clubs and elective art classes, according to the news release.

“Art gives people an outlet to make themselves happy and make others happy,” Williams said. “It’s important to use art to give back to the community because the community gives you so much. It’s a gratitude thing.”

Williams and Termini credit Soundstage, a Washougal School District arts enrichment program, as a driver of their artistic development. Soundstage director Diana Larson nominated the two young artists for the scholarship earlier this year. 

“I’m so proud of them,” said Larson. “I have witnessed Tia and Ben grow in musical skill and in confidence through my role as a mentor in Soundstage.” 

As scholarship award winners, Williams and Termini will coordinate and donate an artistic performance to a community organization. Williams recorded a vocal concert of Disney songs for children and families through the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Termini plans to donate a concert for adults in memory care facilities.

“I chose that as my gift back to the community because my grandma had dementia,” Temini  said. “My grandma did a lot for me.”