Announcing the Winners of the Whittenberg Scholarship for Performing Arts

(Published June 7, 2023) Thirteen local high school and college student artists have received a boost toward their education and creative passions, courtesy of Fund for the Arts and the William Tolbert Whittenberg Scholarship for Performing Arts.  

“The Whittenberg Scholarship has helped to support young artists looking to further their studies for 36 years,” said Fund for the Arts President and CEO Andre Kimo Stone Guess. “When we invest in our young artists, we are looking ahead. The Whittenberg Scholarship is just as much of an investment in our own future, our own arts ecosystem, as it is in those awarded.” 

The Whittenberg Scholarship, established in 1987 to provide support for gifted students, is awarded to Greater Louisville students and residents between the ages of 16 and 22, who plan to pursue a career in the performing arts. 2023 marks the final year this scholarship opportunity will be available.  

“I am proud to support the advancement of passionate, talented young artists who elevate our entire community,” said Joan Whittenberg. “These thirteen young people represent the next generation of artists and arts supporters, and I cannot wait to see where the future takes them.”  

The 2023 Whittenberg Scholarship Awardees are: 

FIRST PRIZE WINNER 

  • Maya Otterback: Instrumental Music (Marimba) 

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 

  • Maximus “Max” Taylor: Vocal Music 
  • Nolan Turner: Instrumental Music (French Horn) 
  • Adeleke Goring: Musical Theatre 
  • Olivia Allen: Musical Theatre 
  • Laura “Ollie” Gibson: Theatre 
  • Leah Jenkins: Dance 
  • Michaiah “Kiah” Peebles: Dance 
  • Aditya “Adi” Pandey: Instrumental Music (Oboe) 
  • Audrey Lucas: Musical Theatre 
  • Cassidy Gray: Theatre 
  • Jovey McFarland: Musical Theatre  
  • Shylin “Sadé Hills” Jordan: Theatre 

“My artform is important to me because it allowed me—and continues to allow me—to find myself as a human being and an artist. Percussion is a very big part of my identity,” said first prize-winner, percussionist Maya Otterback. “This scholarship impacts my career greatly, as it allows me to continue studying at my dream school, the Peabody Institute, and receive a world-class education.”  


Melodic Mirage by Peter Klatzow – performed by Maya Otterback

About Fund for the Arts
Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community by generating resources for, investing in, and supporting our local arts, artists, and arts organizations. The Fund envisions a healthy and vibrant community where everyone embraces the art that exists in our lives every day, everyone contributes to the well-being of our arts community, and it is understood that everyone belongs to the arts community. The organization facilitates the largest arts grant program in Kentucky and it conducts one of the two oldest united arts campaigns in the country. For more information, visit www.fundforthearts.org 

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