Downey Students Win Arts Scholarships for College Dreams

When Celine Bautista didn't land the role of Young Nala in Broadway's The Lion King after making it to the final four nationwide, she was devastated. Her father's words stuck with her: "It's not about how many times you get knocked down. It's about how many times you can get back up."

Now the Downey High School senior is heading to college with a scholarship from the Downey Arts Coalition, ready to chase her theater dreams at NYU or Pace University. She's one of eight students across three Downey high schools who received scholarships this spring to support their artistic journeys.

The Downey Arts Coalition has supported young artists in this underserved California community since 1958. This year's recipients represent a diverse range of talents, from vocal jazz to filmmaking, dance to graphic design.

At Downey High School, all four scholarship winners performed in the school's production of Hadestown, a Tony Award-winning musical that became one of the finest shows the Downey Theatre has seen in decades. Sonia Navarro, a vocal powerhouse who's earned awards at jazz competitions across California, "burned the house down" with her performance and now plans to study performing arts and education at Cal State Fullerton.

Jackelinne Rodriguez executed some of the most brilliant choreography seen in years as part of the Hadestown ensemble. She's heading to UC Irvine or Cal State Fullerton to study dance.

Warren High School's three winners include Kenneth Paz, who's passionate about film and plans to study television production. Benjamin Martinez is developing his skills as a voice actor and vocalist. Brianna Hernandez, who worked diligently in both academics and arts throughout high school, aims to major in graphic arts at UCLA or UC San Diego.

Columbus High School honored Zurhama Burgos, who dreams of directing films at UCLA, and Kamila Otero, who wants to become both a tattoo artist and makeup artist. Both students overcame obstacles and demonstrated tremendous personal growth.

Each student received more than money. The coalition presented them with certificates, journals, and pens inscribed with Henry David Thoreau's words: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."

Why This Inspires

These scholarships do more than fund education. They tell young artists in an underserved community that their talents matter, their dreams are valid, and their voices deserve to be heard. When volunteers who've dedicated nearly 70 years to supporting local arts look students in the eye and say "we believe in you," it changes what those students believe is possible.

The arts aren't a luxury for communities like Downey. They're a lifeline that helps young people discover their voices, build confidence, and imagine futures beyond their current circumstances.

Eight students just received permission to dream bigger, and a coalition of volunteers made sure they have the support to make those dreams real.