WPCNR STAGE DOOR. June 21, 2008: Deborah Villalba, aspiring lyrico-spinto soprano and 2008 Honor Student at White Plains High School and Michelle Altmann dancer,  2008 graduate of Port Chester High School each received the second annual $1,000 Sonny Katz Scholarships today at a brunch ceremony at The North End Restaurant in White Plains.

Last year’s Sonny Katz Scholarship honorees, Kirsten Smayda (far left) and Helen Hess (far right) of White Plains presented the awards to Ms. Deborah Villalba of WPHS 2008 , second from left, and Ms. Michelle Altmann,  of Port Chester High School 2008 (second from right). "The First Lady of White Plains Theatre," Susan Katz, center, presides.

Kirsten Smayda presents White Plains' Deborah Villalba with her "Sonny," as Helen Hess background observes.

Applause! Applause! Enthralled, the gathering burst into applause after Ms. Villalba's aria.Ms. Villalba will, from a Mercy College transfer, attend Westminster Choir College next year.

White Plains Helen Hess, right, presents Michelle Altmann of Port Chester High School with her "Sonny," as Westco Founder, Susan Katz left, and Ms. Villalba look on. Ms. Altmann, dancing from the age of 5, concentrating on ballet and modern dance, plans a career in choreography, and will attend Goucher College in Baltimore this fall, where she will study sociology and choreography.

It was the second year of the Sonny Katz Scholarships, which were established in 2007 by Westco’s founder, Susan Katz in honor of her father, Sonny Katz, longtime city marshal of the City of White Plains and patron and promoter of the arts. Ms. Katz, introducing the ceremony said how much establishment of the scholarships meant to her father, because he had long wished to be an entertainer, and could not, and felt that the scholarships would enable young persons of today to “follow their dreams.”

Kirsten Smayda in presenting the awards told how she used her $1,000 to pay for her voice lessons this year while attending college.

Peter Katz, speaking for Westco said the Sonny Katz Scholarships are already funded for the 2009 season and are supported by contributions to Westco and Westco’s various productions throughout the year. The Scholarships each year are presented to a graduate wishing to pursue the arts as a career in the senior classes of White Plains High School and Port Chester High School, Sonny Katz's alma mater. For information on how to nominate a Port Chester or White Plains graduate for a Sonny Katz Scholarship in 2009, contact Westco at 914-761-7462.

Legislators Laud the Arts -- New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (88th District), White Plains Assemblyman Adam Bradley and daughter Fiona (89th District, and White Plains Common Councilman Glen Hockley congratulated the Scholar-Artists and Ms. Katz

Assemblyman Adam Bradley invited to address the group, said how important Westco was as a resource for the community that "could alert young people to all that is good about the arts," and the need to keep funding Westco programs, and that is "why these scholarships are so important.".

White Plains Councilman Glen Hockley expressed great admiration for Ms. Katz's father, Sonny Katz, and said it was important for these scholarships to continue. Hockley lamented that in tough economic times, "the arts always seemed to be cut."

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said she had long been a fan of Westco Productions, with both of her daughters participating in many Westco activities. She said the theatre experiences were good for both of her daughters, giving them chances to do some "really exciting things, get inhibitions out, and get their creative juices flowing."  

And, of course, we cannot forget the moms who drove their daughters to years of lessons, recitals, performances, and always said "when are you going to practice?"

Michelle Altmann and her Mom with Susan Katz

Deborah Villalba WPHS 2008 with her Mom, and Susan Katz