Smithfield Little Theatre awarded its 13th annual scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to Emma Wheatley, a 2024 graduate of Smithfield High School who will attend Shenandoah University this fall to pursue a degree in elementary education. She is the daughter of Stephen and Nicole Wheatley.

“The $1,500 check will allow her to supplement her educational endeavors in her field of study. We look forward to hearing more about her as she pursues her degree,” said Elaine Dairo, chair of the scholarship program. “The scholarship award program was initiated during our 50th anniversary celebration. We’re looking forward to more corporate sponsors in the future.”

The initial 2012 effort was kick-started by a $5,000 donation from Farmers Bank with matching gifts from Smithfield Little Theatre and requests made by Dairo to the local community.

SLT audiences have supplemented that in concessions purchased at the theatre. Thus, allowing SLT to increase giving.

The scholarship’s aim is to provide financial support to a deserving student who has shown interest in the performing arts and is pursuing full-time higher education at a two- or four-year accredited college or university. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school graduating senior or current college student in the Western Tidewater area or any other area if they volunteer at SLT.

Scholarship recipients are chosen by a selection board, independent of the SLT Board of Directors. Performing Arts and Educational Scholarship selection board included Hugh Copeland, executive director of The Hurrah Players; Thomas Yannuzzi, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center executive director and SLT member; and Elaine Abicht, retired executive of Smithfield Foods, co-owner of The Christmas Store in Smithfield and co-founder of the nonprofit Smithfield Music.