Little Theatre of Owatonna is pleased to announce its 2019 Veta Alexander Little Theatre of Owatonna Scholarship winners. The scholarship is celebrating its 50th year. This year’s recipients include both Owatonna and Medford graduates:

Matthew Bueltel, son of Joseph and Tracy Bueltel, Owatonna;
Payton Jorgensen, daughter of Curt and Holly Jorgensen, Owatonna; and
Austin VonRuden, son of Scott and Kelly VonRuden, Medford.

Recipients were chosen based on their academic record, community involvement, leadership quality, school activities, and involvement in LTO and/or other drama productions.

The Veta Alexander Scholarship, established in 1969, has provided nearly $60,000 in scholarship monies to 149 area seniors over the fifty years. Currently, funds for the scholarship are provided by LTO patrons as 8 percent of each show’s earnings are regularly earmarked for this scholarship. In addition, individual donations and memorials have been and can be made to the Veta Alexander Scholarship Fund.

Recipients will use these scholarships to further their education. Bueltel plans to study political science at the University of Minnesota. Jorgensen will attend St. Olaf College to study environmental design. VonRuden will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at Johnson and Wales University.

VonRuden will be recognized at the Medford High School Awards Ceremony at 1:30 PM, Monday, May 20. Bueltel and Jorgensen will be acknowledged at the Owatonna High School Academic and Scholarship Awards Night, Wednesday, May 29. A formal presentation will be made at the OHS One Act Festival, 7 PM, Friday, May 31. All recipients will also be celebrated on opening night of LTO’s summer production, “Once on this Island,” Thursday evening, June 20.