Ever since she was 4 years old, Sophia Sochacki has found her place on stage. Whether singing, acting or preparing for the next audition, the 16-year-old Palos Heights resident has spent years sharpening her craft and dreaming about a future in musical theater.
Now, thanks to the generosity of the Palos Park Woman’s Club, Sochacki is one step closer to that dream.
The organization awarded three $600 art scholarships Wednesday, May 13, during a presentation at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, recognizing talented local high school juniors pursuing visual and performing arts opportunities.
Sochacki plans to use her scholarship for musical theater acting classes through My College Audition as she continues preparing for a future she hopes will lead her to the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
“I’m honored to have won this scholarship and I know it will help my growth, not only as a performer but also as a person,” Sochacki said. She added that the scholarship process had been “an eye-opening experience.”
Her mother, Michelle Sochacki, said her daughter’s passion for performing has been obvious from an early age.
“She loves to sing,” Michelle said.
This year’s scholarship recipients also included Sara Ocampo, 17, of Orland Park, and Karolina Rico, 17, of Palos Hills.
Palos Park Woman’s Club member and scholarship chair Ramona Kurland said supporting young artists has become one of the organization’s most meaningful projects.
“We are humbled and inspired by the passion and creativity of these young artists, and excited for their bright futures ahead,” Kurland said.
Kurland said the scholarship program carries personal significance for her as a former art student herself. She earned a degree in art education from Columbia College Chicago and said she understands firsthand the importance of encouraging creative students.
“It’s wonderful to see students so actively involved in the arts,” she said.
Ocampo, a junior at Victor J. Andrew High School, plans to use her scholarship to attend summer folkloric dance classes. She has been dancing for six years and said receiving the award boosted her confidence as an artist.
“There are a lot of amazing artists out there and I’m very happy that I was capable enough to receive this,” Ocampo said.
Rico, a junior at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, will use her scholarship for summer trumpet lessons at Carl Sandburg High School. Rico has played trumpet since fifth grade and hopes to continue refining her musical skills.
The Palos Park Woman’s Club launched the scholarship program to encourage young artists to continue developing their talents through summer programs, workshops and lessons. Club members said they hope the awards not only ease financial burdens for students and families, but also remind young performers and artists that their creative pursuits matter.
At Wednesday’s ceremony, the celebration centered not only on scholarships, but on possibility — a chance for three local students to continue building futures shaped by art, music and performance.
