Participants in the 2019-2020 Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program are, front row, from left, Valerie Crouse, Brynn Pagett, Emma Silverburg, Allyson Buck, Anna Tarapacki, Courtney Grey, Karley Kennedy. Back row from left, Sopie Schweiger, Summer Dracup, Christine Deming, Haley DeLong, Courtney Hayes, Lorgan Walczak, Morgan Wilson. Submitted photo

Fifteen area high school students will participate in the 2019-20 Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program, according to Christine Yocum, contest chairwoman.

The 15 participants were chosen based on academic achievement, community and school activities and a personal interview.

Representing local high schools; Logan Walczak, Chautauqua Lake Central School; Emma Silverburg, Frewsburg Central School; Allyson Buck, Courtney Grey, Courtney Hays, Karley Kennedy, Sophie Schweiger, Jamestown High School; Anna Tarapacki, Maple Grove Central School; Summer Dracup, Panama Central School,; Valerie Crouse and Brynn Pagett, Randolph Central School; and Hailey DeLong, Christine Deming, Morgan Willson, Southwestern Central School.

Show choreographers Tiffany Wakeley Heintzman and Toria Triscari are working on various elements of the program including the opening, fitness, self-expression and talent sections. “Light Up the Night” is the theme of this year’s program, and the participants began rehearsing in late July. The program will be held at Southwestern High School on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

The participants will compete for scholarship money to help aide in college costs.

Each participant is also paired with an area third grade “little sister” whom they mentor throughout their experience in the program.

The Little Sisters, chaired by Allison Munella, will perform in the program, fundraise for the scholarship money, help with community service and participate in activities with the program participants.

To donate to the program, send contributions to the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program, 128 School Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701.