2024 Scholarship Winner:
Anderson Heinig
The Carnegie Players have selected Anderson Heinig for the Garrity-Laird Scholarship for his outstanding work of nearly a decade on Fendig and Rensselaer Highschool plays. His technical expertise was self-evident, and should serve him well as he pursues a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Theater Production. May his passion for the theater never die!
2021 Scholarship Winner:
Katherine Retek
The Carnegie Players has selected Katherine Taylor Retek as the 2021 Garrity-Laird recipient. She plans to attend Carthage College in Wisconsin with a double major in music theater and political science. Katherine has been active in theatre with The Carnegie Players and Fendig Children's Theater locally as well as acting at Penn High School. Katherine's proud parents are her stepfather and mother Eric and Clair Beaver of Rensselaer and her father Kyle Retek of South Bend.
The Carnegie Players wish Katie much success as she pursues her college education. Congratulations Katie! Shown is Beverly Crynes, Carnegie Players Board Member, making the presentation to Katie.
2020 Scholarship Winners:
Cameron O'Hare
Eliana Knakiewicz
Eliana Knakiewicz
Cameron O'Hare of Kentland, a recent graduate of South Newton High School, has been awarded a $500.00 Garrity-Laird Scholarship for The Carnegie Players. Cameron will be attending Indiana State Honors College, Terre Haute, with a Pre-Medicine major and a Music Performance minor.
Cameron states, "I am obsessed with neuroscience and the effects of music on the brain, especially in relation to dementia and stroke victims. My career goal is as a physician researching the links between music and the mind."
Cameron is the son of Thomas O'Hare and Amanda Wolf. The Carnegie Players congratulate Cameron on his achievements and wish him success in the future.
Shown is Beverly Crynes, board member, making the presentation to Cameron.
Eliana Knakiewicz
Eliana Knakiewicz
Eliana Knakiewicz
Eliana Knakiewicz of Morocco, has been selected to receive a $500.00 Garrity-Laird Scholarship from The Carnegie Players. Eliana will be attending Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey with a Business and History major and a minor in Music.
Eliana's dream is to become a professional and successful musician and vocalist. Eliana began earning college credits at age thirteen and to date has eighty-one credits for her degree.
Eliana is the daughter of Chris and Kathy Knakiewicz. Good luck Eliana as you reach for your dreams. The Carnegie Players recognizes your achievements.
Shown is Beverly Crynes, Board Member, presenting the award to Eliana.
Applicants must be:
- A graduating high school senior from any public, private or homeschool, or a current full-time college student.
- Pursuing studies in Performing Arts or Theater Arts at the college level
- Involved in school and community activities
Scholarship applications are available on-line, and may be submitted to carnegie.rensselaer@gmail.com, or a physical copy may be sent to 220 N. Franklin St. Rensselaer IN. 47978. The application deadline is April 8th, 2025
