Sherman High Senior Earns Fine Arts Scholarship

Ellis Cate Weinkauf, senior at Sherman High School, has been awarded a $1,000 Texoma Excellence in Fine Arts Scholarship from Texoma Chevy Dealers for her achievements in musical theater and her leadership and commitment to the theatre community.

Ellis has performed in school and community productions for six years, earning two UIL One Act Play All-Star Cast honors in 2025 and recognition as “Best Musical Theatre Student” in both seventh and eighth grade.

Beyond the stage, Ellis serves as a student teacher in the theatre program at Piner Middle School, where she teaches lessons, mentors students and helps foster a positive, encouraging classroom environment. 

“Ellis leads with both talent and heart,” said Piner Theatre teacher and mentor Albanie Knight. “She is committed to growing as an artist while encouraging the next generation of performers.”

She also regularly attends and promotes middle school productions, intentionally supporting younger students and strengthening connections between campus programs. By bringing high school students to middle school productions as audience members, Ellis bridges the gap between the grade levels and reinforces that everyone belongs in the larger theater community.

Ellis plans to attend Hartwick College in New York this fall to major in Theatre Arts.