As recipients of the scholarship, Tia Williams and Ben Termini will also give back by each donating a musical performance to the community

WASHOUGAL – Washougal School District students Tia Williams and Ben Termini are two out of four students awarded the prestigious ENSPIRE Arts Ambassador Scholarship from May 2021 to May 2022 for demonstrating an outstanding passion for art and a heart for their community. 

The students each received a $500 scholarship for use toward private art instruction, skills workshops, or summer study. As recipients of the scholarship, Williams and Termini will also give back by each donating a musical performance to the community. 

“Both Tia & Ben stood out to us with their strong enthusiasm for the art of music and their heart for wanting to bring comfort and joy to those who are going through challenging times of illness,” said Sarah Lightfoot, president of ENSPIRE Arts. 

“Art gives people an outlet to make themselves happy and make others happy. It’s important to use art to give back to the community because the community gives you so much. It’s a gratitude thing,” said Williams. 

ENSPIRE Arts supports recipients of the Arts Ambassador Scholarship as they coordinate and donate an artistic performance to an organization of their choice in the community. 

“It makes us happy to see others happy,” said Termini. 

Williams and Termini developed their passion for vocal arts as young students in Washougal School District. Both students grew up learning music, cultivating their passion for the arts at after-school clubs and elective art classes. Williams has been in choir since the 6th grade and is now the vice president of the choir board at Washougal High School. 

Williams and Termini credit Soundstage, a Washougal School District arts enrichment program, as a driver of their artistic development. Art programs and clubs like Soundstage are funded by the Washougal Educational Programs & Operations levy and the Washougal Schools Foundation. 

Diana Larson, director of Soundstage and teacher at Canyon Creek Middle School, nominated the two young artists for the scholarship late last school year. 

“I’m so proud of them,” said Larson. “I have witnessed Tia and Ben grow in musical skill and in confidence through my role as a mentor in Soundstage.” 

As for their musical performance donations, both Williams and Termini already have their plans in motion. Williams recorded a vocal concert of Disney songs for children and families through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Williams hopes that this performance will bring joy to families in need. Termini plans to donate a concert for adults in memory care. 

“I chose that as my gift back to the community because my grandma had dementia,” said Termini. 

Temini hopes that his performance will encourage residents in the memory care facility. “My grandma did a lot for me.” 

Williams and Termini represent the Washougal community in this county-wide scholarship program. 

Washougal School District students are lifelong learners with strong community values. As students and post-graduation, Washougal students make positive impacts on the local community. WSD’s caring team and local supporters help to shape community-oriented learners. Washougal School District knows, nurtures, and challenges all students to rise.