Kylie Morales

Ritenour H.S.

Ellis North

Pattonville H.S.

Trenton Thudium

Ritenour H.S.

Carter Stroud

Pattonville H.S.

Larry Marsh

Hawthorne

Kevin Rodriguez

Ritenour H.S.

Jamarion Fisher

McCluer North H.S.

Addison  Gutschenritter

Pattonville H.S.

Hawthorne Players is one of the oldest community theatre companies in the St. Louis area.  In addition to its theatrical productions in the Florissant Performing Arts Center, Hawthorne actively promotes the performing arts in the community, especially in schools.  A key component of this effort is a scholarship program.

The Duckie DeMere Scholarships, named after the late veteran Hawthorne actress and director, have been presented  annually since 1992.  175 students have received grants totaling more than $72,000. 

The purpose of these grants is to: 1) further community arts in general,  2) encourage high school students to become involved in community theatre and 3) increase youth involvement in Hawthorne Players.  Applicants should have demonstrated talent, interest and effort in the performing arts, especially in the community.  Participation in Hawthorne Players and other community theatre and music productions will be considered.

TO APPLY PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BY MARCH 15, 2026

Interested North St. Louis County students should email a single PDF document by MARCH 15, 2026 to demerescholarships@gmail.com that contains the following:

1) Your name, address and email address, phone, and high school

2) Information about your involvement in the performing arts both at school and in the community. (List productions, roles, crews, etc.)

3) A essay of no more than 250 words discussing what involvement in the performing arts has meant in your life. Give specific examples.

4) Your college/post high school plans.

Also ask ONE high school theatre, music or other performing arts teacher to send a recommendation as a PDF document by MARCH15, 2026 to: demerescholarships@gmail.com.  

Scholarships will be awarded to North St. Louis County students involved in music, theatre or dance

Apply by March 15, 2026

No late submissions accepted.