SIDNEY — Sock & Buskin Players has renamed its college scholarship as the Hesselbein Memorial Scholarship in memory of Karl Hesselbein who passed away, May 2.
Theater members started the scholarship in 2011 to honor students who have appeared on stage and/or worked behind the scenes for several years.
Hesselbein was an original incorporator of the theater group in 1974 and appeared in the first production, “The Fantasticks.” He subsequently appeared in another 30 shows from 1974 to 2003 and directed six. He might best be remembered for his role as Luther Billis in the 1980 production of “South Pacific” and as Judd in the 1983 production of “Oklahoma!” An English teacher, Hesselbein was always a wealth of information during each show in which he participated and was well known for the many characters he portrayed.
This year, Sock & Buskin has awarded two scholarships, one each to Kayla Frick and Laney Shaw. Both graduated from Sidney High School this year.
Frick will attend Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. At Sidney High School, she was awarded the Senatorial Citation honoring high academics. She was also involved in SADD, SHS musicals, Lip Sync, Alzheimers Association, Special Olympics and the tutoring program.
The daughter of Terri and Dave Frick, she appeared in Sock and Buskin’s “Really Rosie,” “Jungle Book,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “101 Dalmations,” “Back to the ’80s,” “Hairspray,” “School House Rock” and “Wizard of Oz. At Sidney High School, she played in “Wizard of Oz,” “Oklahoma,” “The Music Man,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Sound of Music.” Her application noted that she has been active in theater since the fourth grade and maybe one day she could return to Sidney and once again become involved in community theater.
Shaw will attend Kent State University. At Sidney High School, she was the mascot for a year and a member of National Honor Society, German Club, Symphonic Choir and student government. She graduated with high honors. She was also involved with Sidney Dance Company for eight years and Shelby County Youth Soccer for five years.
The daughter of Lacie and Clint Shaw, she was involved in Sock and Buskin’s “The Jungle Book,” “Hairspray,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The World Goes Round.” Her application said she plans to minor in theater and continue performing on stage and to direct.
