Downey High School scholarship recipients Celine Batista and Jackelinne Rodriguez (center), with the Downey Arts Coalition’s Alistair Hunter, Pat Gil and Andrew Hernandez. Not pictured: Sonia Navarro.

DOWNEY — Last month, Downey Arts Coalition board members Ronny Flores, Pat Gil, Andrew Hernandez and Alistair Hunter presented their 2026 scholarships to students at Downey's three local high schools during ceremonies held at the Downey Theatre.

The Downey Arts Coalition (DAC) was founded in 1958 by a small group of visual and performing arts professionals and advocates who volunteer their time to create arts experiences and support the arts in the underserved community of Downey.

The skill that lies at the heart of healthy organizations and communities is the ability to truly see young people. To make them feel valued, heard and understood. That's what happened during the senior awards ceremonies.

In addition to scholarships, DAC presented each student with a certificate, a journal and a pen to inspire them on their journey. The pen contained a quotation from Henry David Thoreau:

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."

The DAC scholarships awarded at Downey High School were unique because, for the first time, all of the recipients had performed in DHS theater productions, including the recent Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, which was among the finest productions presented at the Downey Theatre in decades.

Celine Bautista

Celine has performed lead roles in all eight theater productions during her high school career. She has been a member of the award-winning Epic Jazz Choir, a Music Center Spotlight Award semifinalist and a Mary Stauffer Scholarship for Performing Arts recipient.

Of the hundreds of actors who auditioned in Los Angeles for the role of Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King, Celine alone was selected to audition in New York. Of the 15 actors from around the country who participated in that audition, she was one of four to make the final callback.

As it turned out, she did not get the role. She was devastated. Her father told her something that remains true.

"Rejection will happen, especially in this industry. But it's not about how many times you get knocked down. It's about how many times you can get back up."

Her goal is to attend New York University or Pace University and earn a degree in theater arts.

Sonia Navarro

Over the last four years, Sonia has earned awards as a vocalist and soloist at the Fullerton Jazz, Downey Jazz and Folsom Jazz competitions, among others. She has been a member of the award-winning Epic Jazz Choir, the International Thespian Society, the California Music Educators Association All-State Vocal Jazz Group, and is the current lead vocalist of the outstanding Downey Jazz Combo, which recently performed at the Mary Stauffer Foundation Awards.

Her goal is to attend Cal State Fullerton and earn a degree in performing arts and education.

In Hadestown, she burned the house down.

Jackelinne Rodriguez

Jackelinne has demonstrated discipline, dedication and commitment not only in academics but also in dance. She is passionate about her craft.

Her goal is to attend UC Irvine or Cal State Fullerton and earn a degree in dance.

She was a standout member of the ensemble in Hadestown, executing some of the most brilliant choreography we have seen in years.

DAC Warren High School Scholarships

Brianna Hernandez

A world of opportunity awaits Brianna, who has worked diligently in both academics and the arts throughout high school.

Her goal is to attend UCLA or UC San Diego and major in graphic arts.

Benjamin Martinez

Benjamin has overcome obstacles while demonstrating personal growth and tremendous potential for success.

His goal is to attend Cerritos College and continue developing his skills as both a voice actor and vocalist.

Kenneth Paz

Kenneth is passionate about film. He has already developed strong skills in that area and is eager to collaborate with others while continuing to learn.

His goal is to attend Cerritos College, transfer to a four-year university and major in film and television.

DAC Columbus High School Scholarships

Zurhama Burgos

Zurhama has overcome obstacles, demonstrated personal growth and shown tremendous potential.

Her goal is to attend Cerritos College, earn an associate degree in filmmaking and transfer to UCLA to pursue a bachelor's degree in filmmaking with an emphasis on directing.

Kamila Otero

Kamila comes highly recommended by her teachers. Her goal is to attend community college and complete the certifications and licenses needed to become both a tattoo artist and makeup artist.

That goal is not beyond her reach. She has demonstrated artistic talent, dedication and a strong commitment to achieving her dreams.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Downey Arts Coalition scholarship recipients.

Downey Arts Coalition honors 2026 scholarship recipients