KING CITY — Olivia Barrera, a graduating senior at King City High School, has been named one of six recipients of the 2026 Higher Education Arts Scholarships awarded by the Arts Council for Monterey County.
Barrera received a $2,500 scholarship to support her studies at the University of California, Irvine, where she plans to double major in business economics and film.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Arts Council of Monterey County Scholarship,” Barrera said. “I’ve been performing theater since I was 9 years old and ever since then I have fallen in love with the process of making the magic of theater come to life.”
The annual scholarships recognize graduating Monterey County high school seniors pursuing higher education in creative fields. According to Arts4MC, the awards are intended to help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the arts.
“This scholarship will really help me lighten the burden of having to pay tuition and help me have a more enjoyable first year,” Barrera said. “Thank you again to the Arts Council of Monterey County. Your generosity will not be forgotten.”
Arts4MC Executive Director Jacquie Atchison said the organization is committed to supporting young artists as they pursue their goals.
“We are thrilled to support these incredible students in their creative pursuits,” Atchison said in a statement. “At Arts4MC, we firmly believe that Art Work is Real Work. By providing these scholarships, we aim to reduce financial barriers so these young artists have the resources and opportunities they need to build fulfilling and successful careers in the arts.”
Other 2026 scholarship recipients include Crystal Vaca of Salinas, Elysha Kennedy of Salinas, Lila Glazier of Prunedale, Alyna Dorado of Seaside and Willow Cote of Monterey.
Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of local evaluators, including Brian Mckee, Edgar Lorenzo, Kathleen Bellesiles, Laurie Bend and Megan Morais.
Barrera said she plans to continue performing theater while attending UC Irvine this fall.
King City High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 5, at 9 a.m. at War Memorial Stadium.
