The Dandelion Child Scholarship Award is in honor of Nanci S. Milam who influenced the creation of the Black Box Theatre by always encouraging young people to find their light through art, literature, writing, and music. Her words, in our original mission, continue to guide our programming and teaching style. 

Theatre is the house of life.  It is not this thing or that thing, but rather it can be anything. Through the vehicle of theatre we cannot hope to be everything, but we can be something; something special, specific, and significant.   

In her life, Nanci shared her light to encourage young people to follow their passions; many of whom went on to make careers as writers, musicians, lawyers, teachers, and performers. It is in her spirit that this scholarship award is formed.  The intended purpose of the award is to remind young people, especially those who have an artist’s heart, that their contribution to the world is special and significant.

Honorees of the Dandelion Child Scholarship will be chosen from applications each spring and awarded to honorees who, like Nanci, have interest in a study or a career in art, theatre, acting, music, music production, literature, languages, education and/or writing. Two groups of candidates are eligible to submit an application. Those students just finishing high school (graduating seniors) and those students who are four years post high school graduation pursuing interest in the arts.  (Spring 2024 Eligible Dandelion Child Scholar Students: High School Graduating Class of 2024 and 2020)