Two Students Beat Odds to Win Arts Scholarships

Robert Schlarf spent his childhood struggling to hear people talking around him, like voices were coming from underwater. Now the Chippewa Hills High School graduate is heading to college on an arts scholarship to study the very thing that once challenged him most: communication.

Schlarf and classmate Lee Ann Kirkpatrick both received Canadian Lakes Players Arts Scholarships this month. The awards recognize students pursuing careers in the performing and visual arts.

For Schlarf, the journey started with severe ear infections that made conversation nearly impossible. His parents watched as frustration mounted until doctors surgically inserted tubes to drain the infection. Slowly, their son emerged from his shell.

"I never thought he really would get to this point, find something he really enjoyed," his mom Janice said. "Once he got into the communication design classes, he lit up every time he talked about different things he was doing."

That spark led Schlarf to become lead designer for his school's robotics team, creating logos, banners, and T-shirts. He played in four different musical groups while helping develop spirit week activities. Now he's headed to Mid Michigan College to study graphic communication.

Kirkpatrick's path to the scholarship began with an anxiety-inducing phone call during astronomy class. She rushed to the counselor's office, worried something was wrong with her graduation. Instead, counselor Kari Saathoff told her about a scholarship opportunity and said, "I think you're a perfect candidate for it."

The section leader in marching band and symphony orchestra will attend Western Michigan University to study music performance on the trombone. She's also participated in Blue Lake International Fine Arts Camp and National Honor Society while volunteering on community projects.

Sunny's Take

Both students were the only applicants from their schools, but scholarship committee chairperson Millie Diget said that didn't guarantee them anything. "If they had not met the criteria for the scholarship, they would not have received it," she explained. Both exceeded expectations with excellent GPAs and extensive arts involvement.

Kirkpatrick's mom Traci said the last month has brought one exciting moment after another. "She's got a lot of doors that are going to be opening up for her."

From a boy who couldn't hear to a designer who helps others communicate, Schlarf's story shows how obstacles can shape purpose.