By Jessica Dillon
Piedmont Arts recently recognized community leaders, educators and students during its annual awards presentation, honoring recipients of the J. Clyde Hooker Award, Arts in Education Award and several scholarship programs.
Scholarships awarded
The Nicodemus D. Hufford Scholarship was awarded to Caesar Draper.
“Caesar graduated from Martinsville High School, where he was an honor roll student and a two-time recipient of the Big M Award. He has starred in numerous school and community theater productions and has served as a theater tech intern at Patrick & Henry Community College. He is an active community volunteer with organizations such as the Dan River Basin Association and the Red Cross, and has been a part of Upward Bound since his freshman year,” said Barbara Parker, director of programs.
The Harold Knowlton Work Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Carina Fiona Aquilo, George Louque and Lauralee Robinson.
“Fiona Aquilo is a studio art major in the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech. She has studied numerous disciplines, developing a cohesive voice as the director of the School of the Arts described. She views her artistic practice as a way to bring light into difficult spaces, not only for herself, but for others who may need it. While she has already established herself as a successful freelance artist, after graduation she plans to pursue a path that encompasses travel and community-building, with the long-term goal of creating a platform to support independent artists,” Parker said.
Of Louque, Parker said:
“George Louque is a graduate of Magna Vista High School and is currently enrolled as a communication arts major in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both his professor and Art Foundation Program lead wrote about his high level of skill, mastery of technical components, and exceptional motivation in their letters of recommendation, something that was evident to all of us on the Scholarship Committee while he presented his portfolio. After graduation, he plans to become a concept artist focusing on character design, atmosphere building and storytelling.”
Parker said Robinson is pursuing a double major in theater and theater education at Roanoke College.
“Lauralee Robinson is a graduate of Magna Vista High School, pursuing a double major in theater and theater education at Roanoke College. She has been acting in school and community productions since middle school and credits Magna Vista Theater Director Bryan Dunn with inspiring her to pursue a career in the performing arts. In college, she has been recognized for her outstanding acting, receiving an award nomination for her role in ‘Little Women the Musical’ from the American College Theatre Festival, and also the prestigious Alpha Psi Omega Award for exceptional theatrical work.”
Arts in Education Award
The 2026 Arts in Education Award was presented to Kourtney Merricks.
“Kourtney grew up in Figsboro, graduating from Fieldale-Collinsville High School in 2003. She attended James Madison University, graduating with a degree in theatre. After college, she moved to Long Island, New York, immersing herself in the arts — auditioning, performing and directing. However, it was teaching at a summer theater camp that truly sparked her creative passion,” said Piedmont Arts Programs Coordinator Jennifer Gravely.
After returning to the Martinsville area, Merricks combined her interests in education and the arts through a homeschool cooperative class called Masterpieces in the Making.
“She was able to combine her love for the arts and teaching in a small co-op arts class, ‘Masterpieces in the Making,’ held in the Piedmont Arts classroom for the past two years. Her students’ artwork is currently on display in our Student Art Gallery, so we invite you all to see her and her students’ creativity on display,” Gravely said.
Clyde Hooker Awards
The 2026 J. Clyde Hooker Award for community support was presented to 3rd Bay Café.
Piedmont Arts Board President Olivia Garrett said the family-owned business has supported the organization and the community in numerous ways.
“As a family-owned business, 3rd Bay has built its reputation not only on outstanding food and exceptional service, but also on a deep commitment to giving back. Co-owner Yvonne Givens and the entire 3rd Bay team have supported Piedmont Arts for years through sponsorships, event participation, catering and countless acts of generosity behind the scenes,” Garrett said.
“Whether hosting community gatherings, supporting the arts and education, or stepping up whenever help is needed, 3rd Bay consistently demonstrates what it means to be a community partner. Their involvement reflects a belief that local businesses play an important role in strengthening the quality of life for everyone who lives here.”
Garrett also shared remarks from Piedmont Arts Executive Director Heidi Pinkston.
“As Heidi Pinkston shared, ‘3rd Bay isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a cornerstone of the community. By sponsoring local events, supporting museum fundraisers, and investing in education throughout Martinsville-Henry County, they create a sense of belonging for everyone they serve.’”
“That sense of belonging is something truly special,” Garrett said. “In communities like ours, places like 3rd Bay matter deeply because they help create connection. They remind us that supporting the arts and one another strengthens the entire community.”
The individual recipient of the 2026 J. Clyde Hooker Award was DelShana LeGrant, a former Piedmont Arts board president and longtime advocate for arts education and community service.
LeGrant served on the Piedmont Arts Board of Directors from 2020 to 2025 and as board president from 2023 to 2024.
“During her leadership, she brought vision, energy and a deep commitment to strengthening the organization and expanding its impact in the community. She continues to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee, helping guide the future growth of Piedmont Arts,” Pinkston said.
Pinkston said LeGrant’s commitment to education and the arts continues to benefit the community.
“DelShana uses her passion for the arts and childhood education to inspire her community. She helps create opportunities for young minds to grow and explore creativity. Her commitment to the arts leaves a lasting impact that will benefit our community for generations.”
