New Oak Ridge grad wins Playhouse scholarship

The Oak Ridge Playhouse 2024 Marguerite Blake Scholarship winner is Gavin Hensley, the son of Matt and Kristin Hensley of Oak Ridge.

The $1,000 college scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who has demonstrated excellence for theatrical productions performed at the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse and outside the Playhouse, a news release said.

“Gavin Hensley's tenure at Oak Ridge High School has been full of opportunity as he participated in Ensemble Chorus, Tri-M Musical Honors Society, Senior Steering Committee, AVID, Interact Club, Wildcats for Change, and Wildcat Mentoring,” according to the release.

“He was also a news anchor for ORHS WCAT Live after completing three years of broadcasting. With a genuine love for entertaining, Gavin has appeared in TV shows, commercials, and films. However, live theatre is his passion thanks to his beginnings at Oak Ridge Playhouse in the seventh grade. Since then, he has performed in over 20 plays and musicals. He recently competed as Lumiere in 'Beauty and the Beast, Jr.' at the International Junior Theatre Festival, where his group from Broadway Center for the Arts was awarded “Excellence in Acting”.

“After graduation, Gavin looks forward to beginning rehearsals for his next role as Sebastian in Broadway Center for the Arts production of 'The Little Mermaid' this July. He will pursue his interests in theatre and community service further at the University of Tennessee this fall. Hobbies include playing basketball, writing, and adventuring outdoors.

“Gavin would like to sincerely thank everyone at the Oak Ridge Playhouse for the support, direction, loving guidance, and opportunities given to perfect his craft over the years.”

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: New Oak Ridge grad wins Playhouse scholarship