Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship of Excellence

Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship is to be awarded to a rising college senior who is a degree-seeking candidate with the following attributes:

• Outstanding characteristics in talent and artistic achievement.
• Excellence in academic performance (a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or better and a cumulative 3.0 or better in academics)
• Exceptional qualities in leadership and citizenship.

The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, room, and board, plus $3,700 stipend for related expenses.

2026-27 Sarah Graham Kenan Excellence Scholar

Ella Nagengast is a scenic technology student from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. She has always had an inquisitive nature, and an inherent love for learning, which has helped her maintain a 4.0 throughout her education. Since a young age, she’s been in love with theater and crafting with her hands. Tinkering with little machines, cars, and making various paintings/props in her garage made the pursuit of a degree in scenic technology at UNCSA a natural choice.

Ella’s interest in machinery and aptitude for learning led to an Automation Internship at ShowMotion Inc. in Milford, Connecticut last summer. During which, she had the opportunity to work on several Broadway shows as well as a touring production. She will be returning to Connecticut this summer.

When she’s not found in the TD suite, or the scene shop, Ella can often be found helping her classmates out with structures homework, drawing local architecture, or cooking for her friends while watching "How to Train Your Dragon."

Contact:
Erin Edge, Kenan Excellence Scholars Liaison
Phone: 336-726-6940
Fax: 336-770-3367