News
May 6, 2024
Jacob Gill is the recipient of the 2024 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Since 2016, he has acted in 20 different shows through New Stage Players and the South Sioux City Middle and High School. Additionally, he has been involved in the South Sioux City Chamber Choir, Varsity Band, Speech Team, Educators Rising, and the Mock Trial team.
In his essay, he wrote, "There have been many instances where kindness has impacted me in an arts activity... In 2017, as I was participating in the final dress rehearsal of my first middle school musical... the cast and I fell on the stage, but my kneecap struck the head of a nail on the stage. I soon noticed a hole in my pants, and as I rolled up my left pant leg, deep, thick, dark blood was rolling down my leg. It truly felt like veins were ripped out of my left leg. After I told my director, I would soon be rushed to the nearest urgent care to have nine stitches placed in my kneecap. The overwhelming kindness and compassion [of the whole cast] helped me get through this experience... from the first time I walked on stage in South Sioux City High School’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2015, to my final district One Act performance, I have only experienced the best friendships... as I continue further into the fine arts activities, I have hope for a good experience... the arts have impacted my life in so many ways, which I plan to spread to others. From the kindness being spread in my first musical to the best friendship, to finally spreading hope - I intend to share all of these actions with everyone I encounter in the future."
Congratulations, Jacob!
Jacob Gill is the recipient of the 2024 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Since 2016, he has acted in 20 different shows through New Stage Players and the South Sioux City Middle and High School. Additionally, he has been involved in the South Sioux City Chamber Choir, Varsity Band, Speech Team, Educators Rising, and the Mock Trial team.
In his essay, he wrote, "There have been many instances where kindness has impacted me in an arts activity... In 2017, as I was participating in the final dress rehearsal of my first middle school musical... the cast and I fell on the stage, but my kneecap struck the head of a nail on the stage. I soon noticed a hole in my pants, and as I rolled up my left pant leg, deep, thick, dark blood was rolling down my leg. It truly felt like veins were ripped out of my left leg. After I told my director, I would soon be rushed to the nearest urgent care to have nine stitches placed in my kneecap. The overwhelming kindness and compassion [of the whole cast] helped me get through this experience... from the first time I walked on stage in South Sioux City High School’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2015, to my final district One Act performance, I have only experienced the best friendships... as I continue further into the fine arts activities, I have hope for a good experience... the arts have impacted my life in so many ways, which I plan to spread to others. From the kindness being spread in my first musical to the best friendship, to finally spreading hope - I intend to share all of these actions with everyone I encounter in the future."
Congratulations, Jacob!
May 5, 2023
Angel Rodriguez-Villalobos is the recipient of the 2023 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. The South Sioux City High School graduate plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in music performance and/or music education. Throughout his high school career, he was active in band and was first-chair trombone. He currently plays in both an orchestra and Mexican banda.
In his essay, he wrote, "It was Friedrich Nietzche that said, 'We have art in order not to die of the truth.' Art has served a major purpose for humanity. When we cannot make sense of something, we make art about it. It can be sculpture and paintings, but the most moving form of art is music. Music is what makes a scene in a movie magical and light or nihilistic and intense. Music has the power to rip out emotions and turn them into glorious displays of sound. I want to be able to inspire and teach anyone who wants to learn to harness the power of music to keep going, to keep practicing, and to keep studying because the raw ability of music to move even the most stoic of people is nothing short of amazing."
Congratulations, Angel!
Angel Rodriguez-Villalobos is the recipient of the 2023 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. The South Sioux City High School graduate plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in music performance and/or music education. Throughout his high school career, he was active in band and was first-chair trombone. He currently plays in both an orchestra and Mexican banda.
In his essay, he wrote, "It was Friedrich Nietzche that said, 'We have art in order not to die of the truth.' Art has served a major purpose for humanity. When we cannot make sense of something, we make art about it. It can be sculpture and paintings, but the most moving form of art is music. Music is what makes a scene in a movie magical and light or nihilistic and intense. Music has the power to rip out emotions and turn them into glorious displays of sound. I want to be able to inspire and teach anyone who wants to learn to harness the power of music to keep going, to keep practicing, and to keep studying because the raw ability of music to move even the most stoic of people is nothing short of amazing."
Congratulations, Angel!
May 1, 2022
The recipient of the 2022 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship is Tanner Miller, a South Sioux City High School graduate who plans to be a music educator. He will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During high school, he was involved in band, choir, the spring theatre production, the One Act competition, and Quiz Bowl.
In his essay, he wrote: "Music is a universal language. Just as one might articulate ideas and emotions with words, a musician can articulate ideas and emotions with music... I would go through great length[s] to find all of my students' passions and find what makes music fun for them. That's how we learn best. Learning music, regardless of instrumental or vocal ability, is a skill that anyone can do amazing things with... At a baseline, however, I wish to entertain and educate through music; to teach a language we already understand but cannot speak well without training; to be a platform for great musical minds to speak in subtle phrases that have yet to exist."
Congratulations and best wishes, Tanner!
The recipient of the 2022 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship is Tanner Miller, a South Sioux City High School graduate who plans to be a music educator. He will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During high school, he was involved in band, choir, the spring theatre production, the One Act competition, and Quiz Bowl.
In his essay, he wrote: "Music is a universal language. Just as one might articulate ideas and emotions with words, a musician can articulate ideas and emotions with music... I would go through great length[s] to find all of my students' passions and find what makes music fun for them. That's how we learn best. Learning music, regardless of instrumental or vocal ability, is a skill that anyone can do amazing things with... At a baseline, however, I wish to entertain and educate through music; to teach a language we already understand but cannot speak well without training; to be a platform for great musical minds to speak in subtle phrases that have yet to exist."
Congratulations and best wishes, Tanner!
May 2, 2021
Kirsten MaryAnn Campbell of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2021 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. She plans to major in elementary education. She was active in band, choir, theatre, and more during all four years of her high school career. She said, "As a performer, I grow with every rehearsal and performance... I would love to continue theater in college because it fills me with joy, passion, and confidence. Not only does it make me a better performer, but it makes me a better person."
In her essay "There is no better place to learn than on stage" she wrote: "I will be pursuing a degree in elementary education. I plan to use this degree to shape young children to be confident in themselves. Children should be inspired to be courageous and bold. The theater has provided me with guidance throughout my life and I want to provide this guidance for my students. By encouraging creativeness in the classroom through acting, dancing, and music, I want to teach children to try new things. My greatest desire as a future educator is to influence my students to not miss out on life’s opportunities because of fear. Without theater, I definitely would not be the person that I am today. Being on stage has allowed me to try new things without being afraid."
Congratulations, Kirsten!
Kirsten MaryAnn Campbell of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2021 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. She plans to major in elementary education. She was active in band, choir, theatre, and more during all four years of her high school career. She said, "As a performer, I grow with every rehearsal and performance... I would love to continue theater in college because it fills me with joy, passion, and confidence. Not only does it make me a better performer, but it makes me a better person."
In her essay "There is no better place to learn than on stage" she wrote: "I will be pursuing a degree in elementary education. I plan to use this degree to shape young children to be confident in themselves. Children should be inspired to be courageous and bold. The theater has provided me with guidance throughout my life and I want to provide this guidance for my students. By encouraging creativeness in the classroom through acting, dancing, and music, I want to teach children to try new things. My greatest desire as a future educator is to influence my students to not miss out on life’s opportunities because of fear. Without theater, I definitely would not be the person that I am today. Being on stage has allowed me to try new things without being afraid."
Congratulations, Kirsten!
April 5, 2020
Jagger Horken of South Sioux City (SSC) High School is the recipient of the 2020 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Throughout high school, Jagger has been active in both the SSC High School Band and the Sunnybrook Community Church worship band. He is pursuing a career as a full-time worship pastor and wrote in his essay: "My favorite thing about playing music is the people. At school I have made many friends and have had many great directors in the music programs. At church I have made many great friends and have been developed by many strong spiritual/musical leaders… If it wasn’t for taking part in these activities I would [never have become] a Christian or decided to become a professional musician. I just hope that my music, words, or my leadership can impact someone in the same ways that I have been impacted."
Congratulations, Jagger!
Jagger Horken of South Sioux City (SSC) High School is the recipient of the 2020 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Throughout high school, Jagger has been active in both the SSC High School Band and the Sunnybrook Community Church worship band. He is pursuing a career as a full-time worship pastor and wrote in his essay: "My favorite thing about playing music is the people. At school I have made many friends and have had many great directors in the music programs. At church I have made many great friends and have been developed by many strong spiritual/musical leaders… If it wasn’t for taking part in these activities I would [never have become] a Christian or decided to become a professional musician. I just hope that my music, words, or my leadership can impact someone in the same ways that I have been impacted."
Congratulations, Jagger!
May 11, 2019
Karla Ortiz of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2019 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Active in choir, band, and speech, she is pursuing a career in music education. She wrote in her essay: "I have always been astonished at how universal music is and how easily it can be used to positively affect people's lives. Therefore, I have chosen to combine my love for music with my spirit for education... One of the best things about being involved in music is that it can heal pain and change a person's mood in an instant. Through the skills I have learned already and the ones I will learn in the future, I plan to use music as a way to bring my students together... All in all, I aim to give my students an opportunity to portray their emotions in a way that is safe and allows them to create a lifelong talent that they will carry with them forever."
Congratulations, Karla!
Karla Ortiz of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2019 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Active in choir, band, and speech, she is pursuing a career in music education. She wrote in her essay: "I have always been astonished at how universal music is and how easily it can be used to positively affect people's lives. Therefore, I have chosen to combine my love for music with my spirit for education... One of the best things about being involved in music is that it can heal pain and change a person's mood in an instant. Through the skills I have learned already and the ones I will learn in the future, I plan to use music as a way to bring my students together... All in all, I aim to give my students an opportunity to portray their emotions in a way that is safe and allows them to create a lifelong talent that they will carry with them forever."
Congratulations, Karla!
May 10, 2018
Hayden Comstock of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2018 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Active in choir, band, theatre, and more, she wrote in her essay: "I know that performing arts impact those around us because I see it with my work directing middle school actors. I've seen shy and quiet sixth graders grow into boisterous and outspoken eighth graders. I've seen hyperactive students who get told they are a distraction find a place where they can channel their energy, leading to better class performance. I've seen kids who have nowhere else to go or no one they feel truly care for them come into the theater and find a family, at least for a few weeks, but often these connections last years. If I can provide an escape for even one person, be they a fellow performer or an audience member, then continuing to perform is worth every second of work."
Congratulations, Hayden!
Hayden Comstock of South Sioux City High School is the recipient of the 2018 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Scholarship. Active in choir, band, theatre, and more, she wrote in her essay: "I know that performing arts impact those around us because I see it with my work directing middle school actors. I've seen shy and quiet sixth graders grow into boisterous and outspoken eighth graders. I've seen hyperactive students who get told they are a distraction find a place where they can channel their energy, leading to better class performance. I've seen kids who have nowhere else to go or no one they feel truly care for them come into the theater and find a family, at least for a few weeks, but often these connections last years. If I can provide an escape for even one person, be they a fellow performer or an audience member, then continuing to perform is worth every second of work."
Congratulations, Hayden!
May 8, 2017
Nuvia Rodriguez, a graduating senior at South Sioux City High School, is the recipient of the 2017 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship. She wrote, "I had always wanted to be on the stage when I was younger, but it scared me. I never had the courage or the encouragement to get on stage. In my junior year, my best friend had finally pushed me to do it. It was the best thing that had happened to me. ... The fine arts department has given me the confidence to do things on my own... With my involvement in theatre, I was able to find my home away from home."
Congratulations, Nuvia!
Nuvia Rodriguez, a graduating senior at South Sioux City High School, is the recipient of the 2017 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship. She wrote, "I had always wanted to be on the stage when I was younger, but it scared me. I never had the courage or the encouragement to get on stage. In my junior year, my best friend had finally pushed me to do it. It was the best thing that had happened to me. ... The fine arts department has given me the confidence to do things on my own... With my involvement in theatre, I was able to find my home away from home."
Congratulations, Nuvia!
November 22, 2016
Jonnie Stapleton, graduate of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and recipient of a 2003 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship, took the Grand Prize for his film, "The Man on Mars," at the 2016 Louisiana Film Prize festival. Read more here.
Congratulations, Jonnie!!
Jonnie Stapleton, graduate of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and recipient of a 2003 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship, took the Grand Prize for his film, "The Man on Mars," at the 2016 Louisiana Film Prize festival. Read more here.
Congratulations, Jonnie!!
May 1, 2016
South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) Counselor Stephanie Hames (left) and Mary Persinger, a member of the scholarship fund's Board of Directors and former SSCHS counselor, presented a $500 scholarship to Alfredo Guadalupe Aceves at the SSCHS Honors Assembly on May 1.
In his application, Alfredo, who wants to make films and become a published author, wrote: "If there is anything that I have learned, it is that people now a days do not seem to dream anymore. And of course, my stories could flop, or my films could even one day be looked down upon by critics. But, if there were anyone, even if it was just one boy, who saw my films, or read my books, and became inspired, then that would make all the difference. My true goal is to inspire. I want someone to see my work, and feel that anything is possible if they just try. People lack a strong sense of art in this modern society, and I want to help bring it back. Because in art, it doesn't matter how it looks, but instead how it makes you feel. I want to set those flames inside of viewers hearts, and make them feel like anything is possible once again."
Congratulations, Alfredo, and best of luck as you pursue your dreams!
South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) Counselor Stephanie Hames (left) and Mary Persinger, a member of the scholarship fund's Board of Directors and former SSCHS counselor, presented a $500 scholarship to Alfredo Guadalupe Aceves at the SSCHS Honors Assembly on May 1.
In his application, Alfredo, who wants to make films and become a published author, wrote: "If there is anything that I have learned, it is that people now a days do not seem to dream anymore. And of course, my stories could flop, or my films could even one day be looked down upon by critics. But, if there were anyone, even if it was just one boy, who saw my films, or read my books, and became inspired, then that would make all the difference. My true goal is to inspire. I want someone to see my work, and feel that anything is possible if they just try. People lack a strong sense of art in this modern society, and I want to help bring it back. Because in art, it doesn't matter how it looks, but instead how it makes you feel. I want to set those flames inside of viewers hearts, and make them feel like anything is possible once again."
Congratulations, Alfredo, and best of luck as you pursue your dreams!
February 28, 2016
Beginning with 2016, the Siouxland Community Foundation will administer the Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund. The decision to move the fund to the Foundation was made by the Board of Directors after careful research, thought, and consideration.
"The Siouxland Community Foundation has an excellent track record of growing and managing grant and scholarship funds," said Cathee Johnson Phillips, secretary of the Board and mother of Jonathan David Phillips. "We are so thankful to everyone who has contributed to the fund in honor of Jonathan since 2002. We would especially like to recognize Awesome Biker Nights for their generous gifts. So far we've been able to award $19,500 in scholarships to Siouxland high school seniors. We believe that investing the fund with the Siouxland Community Foundation is good stewardship and will allow us to award scholarships in Jonathan's honor to many more students for years to come."
The Board also decided to return to the original intent of the scholarship fund, to benefit students at South Sioux City High School (SSCHS), in honor of Jonathan, a graduate of SSCHS. Beginning with this year, once again students must be graduating from SSCHS to be eligible to apply.
Contributions can be made to the fund by mailing a check to: The Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Siouxland Community Foundation, 505 Fifth Street, Suite 412, Sioux City, IA 51101.
The 2016 Scholarship Competition is now open. Follow this link to the online application.
Beginning with 2016, the Siouxland Community Foundation will administer the Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund. The decision to move the fund to the Foundation was made by the Board of Directors after careful research, thought, and consideration.
"The Siouxland Community Foundation has an excellent track record of growing and managing grant and scholarship funds," said Cathee Johnson Phillips, secretary of the Board and mother of Jonathan David Phillips. "We are so thankful to everyone who has contributed to the fund in honor of Jonathan since 2002. We would especially like to recognize Awesome Biker Nights for their generous gifts. So far we've been able to award $19,500 in scholarships to Siouxland high school seniors. We believe that investing the fund with the Siouxland Community Foundation is good stewardship and will allow us to award scholarships in Jonathan's honor to many more students for years to come."
The Board also decided to return to the original intent of the scholarship fund, to benefit students at South Sioux City High School (SSCHS), in honor of Jonathan, a graduate of SSCHS. Beginning with this year, once again students must be graduating from SSCHS to be eligible to apply.
Contributions can be made to the fund by mailing a check to: The Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Siouxland Community Foundation, 505 Fifth Street, Suite 412, Sioux City, IA 51101.
The 2016 Scholarship Competition is now open. Follow this link to the online application.
May 22, 2015
The recipients of the 2015 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships are Crystal Mary Holloway of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and Mitchell Gregory Polley of Sioux City East High School. Each recipient has been awarded a $500 scholarship.
Crystal, who wants to be a dance coach, wrote of her passion for dance: "For with passions one can find their true self and withstand the obstacles of life with a greater ease."
Mitchell, who plans a career in the performing arts, wrote: "Participating in the performing arts has helped me develop into a more mature and morally balanced person... I have learned through the arts to collaborate with my peers, make difficult decisions I normally would never face, and learn to put others interests in front of my own."
Congratulations and best wishes, Crystal and Mitchell!
The recipients of the 2015 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships are Crystal Mary Holloway of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and Mitchell Gregory Polley of Sioux City East High School. Each recipient has been awarded a $500 scholarship.
Crystal, who wants to be a dance coach, wrote of her passion for dance: "For with passions one can find their true self and withstand the obstacles of life with a greater ease."
Mitchell, who plans a career in the performing arts, wrote: "Participating in the performing arts has helped me develop into a more mature and morally balanced person... I have learned through the arts to collaborate with my peers, make difficult decisions I normally would never face, and learn to put others interests in front of my own."
Congratulations and best wishes, Crystal and Mitchell!
May 4, 2014
The recipients of the 2014 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships are Nicholas Akins of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and Eliot Sayavong of Sioux City East High School. Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Pictured are Nicholas and Angela Phillips, president of the Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation, who presented the scholarship to him during the SSCHS Honor Convocation held in May.
Nicholas aspires to be an actor and financial advisor and has been accepted to the musical theatre program at the University of South Dakota. He has also been accepted at Doane College and the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Eliot plans to pursue a career as a licensed music therapist and has been accepted at the University of Iowa and Converse College in South Carolina,
In his essay, Nicholas wrote: "As the Wicked Witch let out her last scream and sunk into the trap door on stage, a feeling of inspiration fell over me. I knew from that moment that my life had changed forever." He added, "I know that my theatre skills will continue to help me in many aspects such as academics, social skills, and overall confidence."
Eliot wrote: "Music performance will be part of my job as a music therapist. I feel so lucky to be able to have my passion be my life's work. I have a big dream to practice music therapy in New York where I can sustain a living. I really want to give my talents a try on Broadway or off-Broadway."
Congratulations, Nicholas and Eliot!
The recipients of the 2014 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships are Nicholas Akins of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS) and Eliot Sayavong of Sioux City East High School. Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Pictured are Nicholas and Angela Phillips, president of the Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation, who presented the scholarship to him during the SSCHS Honor Convocation held in May.
Nicholas aspires to be an actor and financial advisor and has been accepted to the musical theatre program at the University of South Dakota. He has also been accepted at Doane College and the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Eliot plans to pursue a career as a licensed music therapist and has been accepted at the University of Iowa and Converse College in South Carolina,
In his essay, Nicholas wrote: "As the Wicked Witch let out her last scream and sunk into the trap door on stage, a feeling of inspiration fell over me. I knew from that moment that my life had changed forever." He added, "I know that my theatre skills will continue to help me in many aspects such as academics, social skills, and overall confidence."
Eliot wrote: "Music performance will be part of my job as a music therapist. I feel so lucky to be able to have my passion be my life's work. I have a big dream to practice music therapy in New York where I can sustain a living. I really want to give my talents a try on Broadway or off-Broadway."
Congratulations, Nicholas and Eliot!
May 6, 2013
The recipients of the 2013 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships were Andrea Tostado and Trevor Hudson, both of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS). Angela Phillips (center), president of the foundation, presented the scholarship certificates to them at the SSCHS Honors Convocation on May 5. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship.
Trevor aspires to be a stand-up comedian and has been accepted to study theatre at the University of South Dakota. Andrea plans to major in elementary education and minor in theatre and has been accepted at Briar Cliff University, Morningside College, and the University of South Dakota.
In his essay, Trevor wrote: "My goal in life is to cheer people up, make them laugh, and have them see and enjoy the life they have, because before they know it, they will have passed on to the next life." He added, "Making one person realize that life is more beautiful than what they saw before would be my dream come true even if I am not rich, famous, internationally known, or popular."
Andrea wrote: "As cliche as it sounds, being in the performing arts has personally taught me to never give up. ...I believe that the performing arts will help me to have a positive impact on society by telling my future students to never give up on their dreams." She also noted that she will use her theatre experience to assist her in the classroom: "I plan on being a kindergarten teacher, which will require a lot of 'performing' to keep my future students engaged."
Congratulations, Trevor and Andrea!
The recipients of the 2013 Jonathan David Phillips Performing Arts Foundation Scholarships were Andrea Tostado and Trevor Hudson, both of South Sioux City High School (SSCHS). Angela Phillips (center), president of the foundation, presented the scholarship certificates to them at the SSCHS Honors Convocation on May 5. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship.
Trevor aspires to be a stand-up comedian and has been accepted to study theatre at the University of South Dakota. Andrea plans to major in elementary education and minor in theatre and has been accepted at Briar Cliff University, Morningside College, and the University of South Dakota.
In his essay, Trevor wrote: "My goal in life is to cheer people up, make them laugh, and have them see and enjoy the life they have, because before they know it, they will have passed on to the next life." He added, "Making one person realize that life is more beautiful than what they saw before would be my dream come true even if I am not rich, famous, internationally known, or popular."
Andrea wrote: "As cliche as it sounds, being in the performing arts has personally taught me to never give up. ...I believe that the performing arts will help me to have a positive impact on society by telling my future students to never give up on their dreams." She also noted that she will use her theatre experience to assist her in the classroom: "I plan on being a kindergarten teacher, which will require a lot of 'performing' to keep my future students engaged."
Congratulations, Trevor and Andrea!
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