Tivina Colley-Esslinger, who graduates this week from Harbor High School in Aberdeen, has been awarded a $1,000 music and arts scholarship by the local nonprofit group Play it Forward.

Colley-Esslinger is planning to use the award, Play it Forward’s fifth scholarship awarded since 2016, to pursue an Associate of Arts degree at Grays Harbor College. The award ceremony was held May 23 at the Bishop Center for the Performing Arts on the GHC campus.

Play it Forward co-founder Kristi Daniels said from the podium at the ceremony: “Tivina, we hope you will continue to ‘Play it Forward’ in your own unique way. Based on what we have learned, we have no doubt you will.”

Play It Forward is a 501(c)3 nonprofit run by Daniels and Wil Russoul. One of their missions is to award scholarships in the spring and fall through the Grays Harbor College Foundation administrated by the foundation’s executive director Lisa Smith.

“Tivina is talented both artistically and academically, receiving many awards for her artistic talents and academic achievement,” said Russoul. “She has won a first place award in a contest called EnviroChallenger/Enviro Kids Earth Day; it was displayed at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma Nature Center and each of Tacoma’s library branches. Her high school proudly displays her work in their main office as well.”

Colley-Esslinger has also learned to crotchet and now makes hats for the local homeless population, added Russoul.

Along with the scholarships, which are targeted toward unaccompanied youth, Play it Forward collects musical instruments and equipment that can be borrowed by or given to youth who can’t afford their own. The group also holds a couple of fundraising concerts and arts events showcasing local talent.

Donations to the Play It Forward program contributions can be deposited at any Timberland Bank; just mention Play It Forward. For more information visit facebook.com/playitforward.gives.