Martha Bowers Memorial SMAC Scholarship
2026 Scholarship Winners
Olivia Franklin
Olivia Franklin lives in Gretna and attends Gretna High School. She has been accepted by James Madison University where she intends to major in business and minor in dance. Her long term goal is to own a dance studio. Besides teaching young dancers she’d like to have dance therapy sessions for people with autism.
Her grades are excellent and she’s been involved with many school clubs and activities, earned academic honors and has been recommended for the scholarship by teachers and her church youth director. Each of them spoke sincerely of Olivia as a remarkable young woman.
Mackenzie Saleeba
Mackenzie Saleeba of Rocky Mount attends Franklin County High School and has been accepted by Radford University where she will major in Elementary Education and continue her education in dance.
Her grades are also excellent and her references spoke of her exceptional leadership skills and community involvement as a volunteer. Her enthusiasm for teaching young children was also highlighted.
About the 2026 Scholarship
Announcement
SMAC awards up to two $2,000 two-year college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the Performing, Visual or Literary Arts. Eligible students must be attending the following high schools or are home schooled in the geographic areas of these schools: Franklin County High School, Gretna High School, Staunton River High School, Christian Heritage Academy and SML Christian Academy.
Applications are open to students who will be studying in all recognized academic disciplines at either two- or four-year accredited colleges, universities, or community colleges. This is a change from a previous rule which stated that the scholarships were only available to students who planned to pursue an arts major. It is hoped that this will bring in a wider selection of talented students.
Scholarships will be paid in the amount of $1,000 per year for the first two years of enrollment. In order to receive the second payment, the student must submit his or her first-year transcript to the SMAC Scholarship Committee and show progress satisfactory.
Applicants may not be related to any member of the Smith Mountain Arts Council Board of Directors, incomplete applications will not be considered, and scholarship amounts may be used only for tuition.
Method of Selection
Recipients will be selected by the SMAC Scholarship Committee. Applications will be considered based on Artistic Goals & Academic Record; Artistic Activities, Awards & Honors; Other Academic Awards & Honors; High School & Community Activities and Work Experience. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required.
Application Requirements
Applications must be endorsed by the Guidance Department/Home-School Coordinator. Applications must be received by the committee by Mar 31, 2026 and must include the following:
- Completed Application Form
- Copies of Artistic Work (documents, photos, videos, or links to artistic works)
- High School Transcript to Date
- Three [3] Letters of Recommendation: one [1] from arts teacher, one [1] from other teacher or high school official and one [1] from a community person not related to applicant
Applications are closed for 2026
Get and Submit Application
Use the link below to download the application and to submit all application materials. Any questions can be addressed to the SMAC Scholarship Chair, at scholarship@smac-arts.com.
Click here to download application and submit all application materials.
Scholarship Checks
Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the college on receipt of a copy of the letter of acceptance, mailing address, enrollment ID and social security number. Scholarship funds will be applied only to the student’s tuition cost.
Scholarship winners
2026: Olivia Franklin and Mackenzie Saleeba
2025: Connor Dunford and Emma Hager
2024: Annalyse Marie Hasty and Anna Locklear
2023: Sebastian Ellis and Gillian Price
2022: Lili Call, Gracie Kate Gordon and Lindsey Smith
2021: Keeley Barkovich and Andrew Gibson
2020: Victoria Rogers, Hannah Grove
2019: Kenna Thacker, Hannah Ayers, Anne Graninger
2018: Gabriele Shires
2017: Gwyneth Strope, Molly Philpott
2016: Lida Bourhill, Cameron Church, Colleen Ernandes, Molly Philpott
2015: no info
2014: Sage Wright, Julia Robertson, Lauren Griffith, Bronson Aznavorian
2013: no info
2012: Maura Lydon
2012: Evan Craighead, Ethan Lee
2011: Troy Osborne, Codey Turner, India Tyree
2010: Hilary Farnam, Renae Dower, Leilani Dade, Devin Johnson
2009: No info
2008: Brian Hodges, Shawn Cavendish, Melinda Sue Matherly
2007: Elizabeth Butler, Ashley Hines, Ashley Karnes
Note:
Martha (Marty) Bowers was the SMAC treasurer for nearly thirty years. She was a vital board member and friend who ensured the arts thrived in the Smith Mountain Lake area. To honor her contributions, for 2026 and beyond, we have decided to rename our current SMAC Scholarships to high school students as the Martha Bowers Memorial SMAC Scholarship.
