Kill Devil Hills Celebrates Young Talent with Scholarships for the Arts
The vibrant coastal town of Kill Devil Hills is buzzing with excitement as the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts (OBFLA) honors the next generation of artistic talent. This tradition continues strong, thanks in large part to a generous grant from Dominion Energy, which is playing a crucial role in supporting arts education across Dare County Schools.
Fostering the Future of Arts
Since its inception, the OBFLA has built a close-knit relationship with the local schools, showcasing a commitment to nurture young creatives. Each year, they award scholarships to students who plan to study the performing arts in college or advanced programs. These scholarships are highly competitive, with the winners being recognized for their academic achievements, engagement in the arts, and the strength of their personal recommendations.
“We acknowledge Dominion, our education sponsor 2022-2025, for being a valuable community partner and helping us in our mission to bring high-quality entertainment to the Outer Banks and support a vibrant future for the arts through scholarships,” said Carl V. Curnutte, President of the OBFLA. This partnership underscores the importance of community support and commitment to the arts.
Meet the Scholarship Winners
This spring, OBFLA is proud to announce three exceptional students as this year’s scholarship recipients: Heath Miller, Ava Nultemeier, and Riya Braunstein. Each of these talented individuals has demonstrated incredible passion and commitment to their craft.
Heath Miller has a deep love for music that shines through his many accomplishments. He has participated in jazz bands, concert and marching bands, and string orchestra groups at First Flight High School. This fall, he will pursue his music studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he is eager to refine his musical talents.
Meanwhile, Ava Nultemeier is focused on her passion for dance while also venturing into the world of music production. With offers from various prestigious schools like Appalachian State and UNC Greensboro, she plans to pursue an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree. Ava’s journey in dance started at just two years old, and her dedication led her to attend the NC Governor’s School of the Arts.
Riya Braunstein is another shining star, who will be taking her talents to The New School in New York this fall. Majoring in Film with double minors in screenwriting and drama, Riya’s experience includes extensive involvement onstage and off with local theaters like The Lost Colony and Theatre of Dare.
A Bright Future with Community Support
“On behalf of Dominion Energy North Carolina, we are proud to show our support for the OBFLA and their continuous efforts to enhance and support the performing arts through scholarship,” commented Winnie Wade, External Affairs Manager of Dominion Energy North Carolina.
With a history of giving back, the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has made significant contributions throughout their service areas, investing in education, cultural endeavors, and overall community vitality. Their focus on maintaining a vibrant community life perfectly aligns with the mission of the OBFLA.
Join the Movement
The Outer Banks Forum has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1983, growing into a self-sustaining nonprofit known for its series of seven concerts and performances held annually at the David E. Oaksmith Auditorium in First Flight High School. If you’re interested in supporting local arts or want to get involved, there are opportunities available to volunteer with the organization.
To inquire more about volunteering or to learn about performances, simply reach out to OBFLA via email or give them a call. The future of the arts in Kill Devil Hills is looking bright, and with community support, it will continue to thrive!
As the OBFLA honors these talented students and embodies the spirit of the arts in Dare County, the community is encouraged to continue fostering creativity and support for aspiring artists.
