Vincent Legacy Scholarship
Since 2006, Starlight has proudly awarded Vincent Legacy Scholarships to middle school students throughout metropolitan Kansas City. Established with a generous contribution from longtime Starlight supporters Greg and Rebecca Reid, the scholarships provide BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth with funds to pursue professional training and experience the life-expanding possibilities of the performing arts.
To qualify, students in grades six, seven, and eight must display talent and passion for the performing arts, have a strong interest in community service, and audition for the selection committee at Starlight.
Each $2,500 Vincent Legacy Scholarship is administered by the Starlight Community Engagement Department, and funds are applied to the scholarship recipients’ performing arts training during their middle and high school years.
The 2024-25 Vincent Legacy Scholarship application is now closed.
For more information, contact education@kcstarlight.com.
Recipients
Kamea Richardson
Kamea Richardson is from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. On her application, she mentioned enjoying theatre because it allows her to show off her creative side and use her public speaking skills. In addition to acting, Kamea has danced with Alvin Ailey Dance Camp and aspires to return as a mentor.
Khamya Witt
Khamya Witt is from Arrowhead Middle School. For her audition, she performed “The Ballad of Jane Doe” from Ride the Cyclone. She enjoys musical theatre, because it allows her to channel a character’s emotions and energy into song.
Meila Ashman
Meila Ashman is from Lincoln College Preparatory Middle School. For her audition, she performed a dance piece. She has a passion for ballet and contemporary dance. With her scholarship funds, Meila wants to further her training with the Kansas City Ballet.
Shaniya Collins
Shaniya Collins attends Paul Kinder Middle School. She’s already explored the fun of musical theatre, having recently played Ursula in a school production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” She’s excited to use her funds to continue perfecting her skills and learn more about the performing arts.
Siobhan Davis
Siobhan Davis attends Walden Middle School. She loves musical theatre and performing. In 2024, she appeared in Gladstone Theatre in the Park’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” She hopes to be a role model for others who want to pursue the performing arts.
2023 Receipients
Ashlynn Hampton
Grandview Middle School
Elliana Hishaw
Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School
Garrett Webster II
Plaza Middle School
Jacob Moses
Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
Navaeh Robinson (not pictured)
Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
2022 Recipients
Dontez Martin
Carl B. Bruce Middle School
Imani Johnson
Lincoln Middle School
Kansas City, MO
Abby Williams
Indian Trail Middle School
Olathe, KS
Veronica Barriere
Belton Middle School
Belton, MO
Denali Hunter
Osage Trail Middle School
Independence, MO
2021 Recipients
Noa Henderson
Lee’s Summit, MO
Savannah Jordan
Raymore-Peculiar High School
Raymore, MO
Samyra Regalado
Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
Kansas City, KS
Chamberlain Webster
Academie Lafayette
Kansas City, MO
2020 Recipients
A’shay White
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
Savannah Jordan
Raymore-Peculiar East Middle School
Raymore, MO
Samyra Regalado
Central Middle School
Kansas City, KS
LaBrenda Roland
Brookside Charter School
Kansas City, MO
Jada Davis
Gloria Willis Middle School
Kansas City, KS
2019 Recipients
Brielle Jefferson
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
2018 Recipients
Natalia Castaneda
Congress Middle School
Kansas City, MO
Tahraji Milsap
Ewing Marion Kauffman School
Kansas City, MO
James Hawkins
D.D. Eisenhower Middle School
Kansas City, KS
Erica Brown
Grandview Middle School
Grandview, MO
2017 Recipients
Carwin Cooper
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
Lauren Howard
Bernard Campbell Middle School
Lee’s Summit, MO
Bianka Morgan
Kansas City Academy
Kansas City, MO
2016 Recipients
Faith Andrews-ONeal-Julu
St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School
Kansas City, MO
Nahrya Williams
Raytown Middle School
Raytown, MO
2015 Recipients
Sophia Mesa
Eastgate Middle School
Kansas City, MO
Nia Phillips
Raymore-Peculiar East Middle Schoool
Raymore, MO
Angel Duong
Grain Valley South Middle School
Grain Valley, MO
T’Khara Jones
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
KhaTera Jones
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
2014 Recipients
Katy Werner
Homeschooled
Olathe, KS
Zachery Garner
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
Amari Lewis
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
2013 Recipients
Paukhansuan Sonna
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
Destane Jackson
Moreland Ridge Middle School
Blue Springs, MO
A’Rya Pratt
Hogan Preparatory Academy
Kansas City, MO
2012 Recipients
Destané Doughty
Overland Trail Middle School
Overland Park, KS
Nakia Hanley
Summit Lakes Middle School
Lee’s Summit, MO
Akia White
Arrowhead Middle School
Kansas City, KS
2011 Recipients
Cydnee Thornton
Grain Valley South Middle School
Grain Valley, MO
Ansonia Serrano
Grain Valley South Middle School
Grain Valley, MO
2010 Recipients
Faith Miller
Maranatha Academy
Shawnee, KS
Alexandra ‘Lexie’ Hairston
Overland Trail Middle School
Overland Park, KS
2009 Recipients
Erica Bess
Urban Community Leadership Academy
Kansas City, Missouri
Kalen Allen
West Middle School
Kansas City, Kansas
2008 Recipients
Dominique Vaughn
Urban Community Leadership Academy
Kansas City, Missouri
Edward Pouncil
Scuola Vita Nuova
Kansas City, Missouri
Ve’Shawn Dixon
Rosedale Middle School
Kansas City, Kansas
2007 Recipients
Karla Morales
Trailridge Middle School
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Deanna Oliver
Pioneer Ridge Middle School
Independence, MO
2006 Recipients
Betzy Castellon
TrailRidge Middle School
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Courtney Germany
Rosedale Middle School
Kansas City, Kansas