Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship Recipients Chosen by Roanoke Children's Theatre

For the 2018-2019 Season, Roanoke Children's Theatre (RCT) has selected two youth actors to receive the Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship. Adalynn Eller and Brandon West have been chosen as the recipients.

The Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship was created in memory of RCT youth actor, Sarabeth Hammond, who's vibrant life was tragically cut short in December 2016. The Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship will be awarded annually to a young theatre artist(s) in honor of the fearless spirit that Sarabeth exhibited when she participated with RCT in classes, productions, or in counseling special needs students. The yearly recipient will be allowed to enroll in as many RCT classes and camps as they desire for the upcoming season and also be guaranteed a role in an upcoming production.

"It is our honor that we get to keep Sarabeth's memory alive every season with the Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship," remarks Pat Wilhelms, RCT's Artistic Director. "Sarabeth was deeply committed to the theatre and she had such an enthusiastic spirit about her. We have selected Adalynn Eller and Brandon West to help carry on her legacy with RCT. Both have the same passion for theatre, drive, and talent that Sarabeth did. I think Sarabeth would be so pleased."

ADALYNN ELLER is a rising senior at Salem High School. She has been in seven shows at Roanoke Children's Theatre and three shows at Mill Mountain Theatre along with multiple Conservatory and Coffeehouse performances. She was most recently in Shrek, the Musical, Goosebumps, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and ILY: Hang Up and Drive at Roanoke Children's Theatre. Adalynn has studied under Peter Sklar in New York and performed in two Off-Broadway performances there. She has also worked in the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio here in Virginia. Adalynn is currently studying under Brooke Tolley at Opera Roanoke. She plays six instruments and has been in the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir for nine years. Adalynn won first in Poetry and second in Children's Storytelling and Humorous Interpretation at the state level for her school's forensics team. She has interned at multiple summer camps through Roanoke Children's Theatre along with being involved in countless classes. Adalynn believes she has grown tremendously throughout her career with Roanoke Children's Theatre.

BRANDON WEST is a rising senior at Cave Spring High School and Roanoke County's Burton Center for Performing Arts (CPA). Brandon has performed with RCT in The Cat In The Hat (The Boy), Shrek (Young Shrek), The BFG (Childchewer), and A Very Potter Musical (Ron Weasley). Brandon's love for theatre started with him attending camps at Mill Mountain Theatre for numerous years beginning in the third grade. Brandon is a fourth-year student at Burton CPA, where he has been seen in The Little Mermaid Jr. (Jetsam), Sister Act (TJ), Singin' In The Rain (Rod/Production Tenor). Brandon is an upcoming 4th year varsity letterman on the Cave Spring High School Swim Team, where he went to the VHSL State Championship. Brandon is very involved with his church, Our Lady Of Nazareth Catholic Church, where he has been a member of the Children's Choir/Youth Choir. He is a fourth year Youth Volunteer at Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Brandon was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for ten years, where he was Senior Patrol Leader for two years. Brandon would like to thank his parents, his younger brother and sister, and all of his family and friends who have supported him over the years. He is excited to return to RCT in the fall for two upcoming performances, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Annie. He is honored to be a recipient of this special scholarship and grateful for this opportunity to continue his passion.

Roanoke Children's Theatre: Professional Theatre for Young Audiences is an independently owned and operated 501(c)3 organization located in the Jefferson Center. RCT is dedicated to providing high quality theatre education and entertainment to families, schools and children with year-round programming; crafting new and exciting partnerships and programs that engage our youth in a world of communication, imagination, creativity, empowerment and learning.