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Richmond Community Foundation announces scholarship winners

The Richmond Community Foundation (RCF) scholarship winners have been announced with three students receiving a total of $15,000.
Erin Purghart
Erin Purghart, playing Helen, in a UBC production of Problem Child (directed by Omar Muñoz) in November 2019. This year, Purghart is one of three recipients of the Richmond Community Foundation’s $5,000 Phyllis Taylor Scholarship. Photo submitted

The Richmond Community Foundation (RCF) scholarship winners have been announced with three students receiving a total of $15,000.

The Phyllis Taylor Scholarship, RCF’S largest scholarship, was awarded to Erin Purghart, Emma Gold and Seth Kitamura, each receiving $5,000 to pursue their studies in musical and performing arts.

Purghart, a McMath secondary grad, said that the scholarship will allow her to finish her film and theatre program at the University of British Columbia without worries.

“This scholarship means I can focus on what I love most – performing,” said Purghart.

“It’ll allow me to concentrate on the final year of my BFA, and give my all to every opportunity and soak up everything there is to learn along the way.”

Similar to Purghart, Gold, born and raised in Richmond, is also pursuing a career in theatre while studying at Studio 58, Langara College’s professional theatre training program.

Meanwhile, the third scholarship recipient, Kitamura – a music student at Capilano University -- said that with the funds, he won’t  have to worry about working extra shifts to cover his student fees.

“It will give me extra time to practice and fully take advantage of course materials,” he said.

The foundation’s scholarship was established for local performing arts students in 2004 when Phyllis Taylor, a Richmond music teacher and world-class pianist, passed away.

“This year’s winners, while each following their own educational path, share a commitment to their craft and a passion for performance,” said Maryam Bawa, the incoming chair of the foundation’s scholarship committee.

“We’re sure, in the years ahead, they’ll be dazzling audiences at theatres and concert halls.”

Established in 1990, the RCF is a non-profit organization that contributes grants and scholarships to local students.