Congratulations to our first-ever recipient of the Justin Croach Memorial Scholarship, 2017 Massac County High School graduate Diamond Talley. He has plans to major in music education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Throughout his high school career, Diamond served as a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the drama club and a member of the marching, concert and jazz band. He attends Mt. Horeb Church in Metropolis and is involved in their music ministry and nursing home ministry.

In his scholarship essay, Diamond wrote, “Having the privilege of helping students find and pursue their musical passions is an honor… As a music teacher I do not plan on molding students to a certain standard or style of playing but help them be effective and efficient in finding out how to express themselves musically. Like Justin Croach, I have realized how much the arts have changed my life and without them, I would not be the person I am today.”

Introducing the second recipient of the  Justin Croach Memorial Scholarship for the Arts, 2018 Massac County High School graduate, Nathaniel Henley. He plans to attend West Kentucky Community and Technical College in pursuit of an associate of arts degree, with further plans for a bachelor’s degree.

Once Nathaniel completes his associates degree, he plans to pursue a degree in mass communication with an emphasis on filmmaking at Southeast Missouri University. He also received the Residence Life Leadership Award, a scholarship given to high school students apart of quality leadership organizations.

Introducing the third recipient of the Justin Croach Memorial Scholarship for the Arts, 2020 Massac County High School graduate, Owen Westbrooks from Metropolis, Illinois.

He is attending Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, in pursuit of a
music degree. He will major in Worship Leadership.

Music, especially worship music, has been a bit part of his life.

Introducing the fourth recipient of the Justin Croach Memorial Scholarship for the Arts, 2021 Massac County High School graduate, Clara Beth Steward.

She will be attending Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Clara is pursuing a degree in animation. She loves to tell stories through art and animation.

Clara has always felt drawn to the arts. Clara says that she loves to express herself and her individuality through her artwork.

She chose animation because so many animated shows have influenced her life in positive ways. She hopes to be able to share the stories she creates with others through animation. She also hopes to influence others in the way she has been.

She says that she could see herself working in the anime industry and especially loves working on character driven stories.