Flink awarded Play it Forward $1,000 music and arts scholarship

Nonprofit organization supports local artists through cash and equipment donations

November 28, 2017 7:00 pm
Play it Forward co-founder Wil Russoul poses with Mykenzie Flink after she was named the non-profit’s latest scholarship award winner at the Bishop Center Friday evening. The $1,000 award will go toward Flink’s education in music and arts at Grays Harbor College.
Play it Forward co-founder Wil Russoul poses with Mykenzie Flink after she was named the non-profit’s latest scholarship award winner at the Bishop Center Friday evening. The $1,000 award will go toward Flink’s education in music and arts at Grays Harbor College.

Play it Forward, an Aberdeen nonprofit that supports local musicians and artists with instruments, equipment and scholarships, announced that Mykenzie Flink is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship for Grays Harbor College.

“Through music-centric activities we fund $1,000 Music & Arts Scholarships with a preference given to unaccompanied youth attending Grays Harbor College,” said co-founder Wil Russoul. “We are grateful to Grays Harbor County which continues to support our efforts and we are proud to call these scholarships a gift from all of us.”

The scholarships are available to anybody studying the arts at Grays Harbor College, with a preference given to unaccompanied youth attending the college. Play it Forward has awarded four scholarships in the past two academic years; previous winners include Jeremy Glasgow, Britain Daniels and Leroy Rowe.

“We are in the process of funding our next scholarship to be awarded in the spring,” said Russoul. “Applicants can apply beginning in February through the Grays Harbor College Foundation, which manages eligibility. While we have a criteria for unaccompanied youth, all are encouraged to apply, as exceptions can and have occurred.”

The next major Play it Forward fundraiser will be a family Christmas Performance at the Bishop Center Dec. 15. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the door through the Bishop Center or Grays Harbor College.

“This event will be special with artists such as Ericka Corban, The Olson Brothers, Daniel Walker, Karl Penn, Russoul and even a Youth Choir from Montesano’s Calvary Chapel,” said Russoul, who will host along with Play it Forward co-founder Kristie Daniels. “Come join us in your Christmas attire, PJ’s, slippers, caps, or ugly sweaters. The set design will be a beautiful surprise by Greg Zschomler.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a social with Christmas carolers led by Christine Hill, and the event starts at 7.

Partners desiring to help can donate at any Play It Forward or Stone Soup Artist Venue or through Timberland Bank; simply mention “Play It Forward.”