Carmel student wins performing arts scholarship

Kirk Players, the Mundelein-based community service theater, has announced the recipient of its 2014 John W. Lynn Performing Arts Scholarship is William Higgins of Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein.

"We continue to be so impressed with the quality and character of candidates who apply for this scholarship," said Sheila Bourque, president of Kirk Players. "In our 15th year of providing the $1,500 John W. Lynn Performing Arts Scholarship, we are especially proud to award it to William Higgins of Carmel High School."

Lynn, who was an actor and longtime community volunteer, founded the Kirk Players theater group in 1966. He died in 2013 at the age of 83.

Higgins has enjoyed a very active stage career at Carmel, performing in all eight theater productions, singing in advanced choir, show choir and jazz choir, and participating as a member of the Street Scenes show cast for the past three years. His efforts have led him to win several awards and honors in fine arts at Carmel.

Throughout his high school career, Higgins has demonstrated a commitment to the community, volunteering at Christian Youth Theater camp for four summers, assisting with acting, singing and dancing classes, and leading improv games.

"William Higgins embodies all the qualities we look for in our scholarship candidates - a strong work ethic, academic excellence, dedication to the community and a commitment to pursue theater or music," Bourque said. "Our sincerest congratulations to William Higgins."

Higgins will start his college career in the fall at St. Louis University, pursuing music performance and computer engineering.