Scholarships
Each year, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors , given in memory of two young people — Justin M. Newell and J. Harrison Russell — both of whom devoted themselves to Civic Youth Theatre. These scholarships recognize the achievements of current CYT members and preserve the memory of two young people who had a lasting impact on Civic Theatre. Applications are available in the spring.
Justin M. Newell Memorial Scholarship
Honoring outstanding contributions and achievements at Civic Theatre
Justin Matthew Newell was a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a freshman at Lafayette-Jefferson High School, where he was a technician for WJEF-FM and a radio technician for Jefferson basketball and football games. Justin was also the Technical Director at the Civic Youth Theatre for 3 years. Among the plays he was involved with include The Play Called Noah’s Flood, Treasure Island, Professor Zuccinni’s Traveling Tales, Little Red Riding Wolf, David and Lisa, The Poet and the Rent, Tarheel Tales, and Wind in the Willows. He was also very active in Cub Scouts, was on the Cub Day Camp staff for five years, and earned the Arrow of Light and Parvuli Dei Medal with the Cub Scouts as well. He was a life Scout, a member of Troop 303 and a member of the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts. He also earned an Eagle Feather in the YMCA Indiana Guides.Justin was 14 when he lost his life on January 23, 1996 but at Civic Theatre we remember his incredible contributions to Civic Youth Theatre and beyond.
The Newell Scholarship is a $500 scholarship with the winner’s name engraved on a plaque on display in Civic Theatre’s Lobby.
The Russell Award
Honoring outstanding volunteerism for Civic Theatre
J Harrison Russell (Harry, to his friends and family) was a gifted violinist who could not only play beautiful classical pieces in a quiet quartet, but could also fiddle a bluegrass song in a crowded, noisy bar. He also played the guitar, was a talented vocalist, and wrote beautiful music with his friends and family. He loved to perform with his dad in their band, The Friendly Harrys. Harry was a generous soul who loved his friends and family. He also loved his country and was stationed at Hurlburt Air Force Base with the First Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. He was always willing to join in and be a helpful part of any group and that group was lucky to have him. Harry was a few months away from his 21st birthday when he committed suicide. When Harry left us too soon, the Russell family wanted to honor his memory by highlighting with joy, not sorrow, the accomplishments of those who have contributed so much to their chosen group – Civic Theatre.
The Russell Award is a $500 cash scholarship with the winner’s name engraved on a plaque on display in Civic Theatre’s lobby.
Congratulations to our 2025 recipients!
Owen Valient
Justin M. Newell Memorial Scholarship
Sadie Alge
The Russell Award of Excellence
Alyse Kline
The Russell Award of Excellence