05/18/2026
We’re so proud!
Art In Public Places Expands Scholarship Program For Six Wiregrass Seniors
Dothan, Ala. — Art in Public Places (APP), a Dothan-based nonprofit focused on public art in the Wiregrass, has expanded its Junior Board Scholarship Awards program from two scholarships to six $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors.
According to APP, the organization’s Board of Directors voted to expand the scholarship program after leadership said it was difficult to narrow down the most dedicated student members.
The APP Junior Board is a youth leadership program for high school juniors and seniors across the Wiregrass. Students participate in nonprofit governance, arts advocacy and community programming while volunteering in support of APP events and initiatives.
Members apply during the spring, complete panel interviews and are selected by past Junior Board members and the APP Board of Directors. Once selected, students serve one- to two-year terms and can hold leadership positions including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and public relations chair.
“These students set the standard for what the Junior Board can be,” said Holly Meyers, Executive Director and founder of Art in Public Places. “They didn't just fulfill a requirement, they showed genuine ownership of this work and real pride in their community. Expanding these scholarships wasn't a hard decision for our board. It was the only decision.”
“Leading the Junior Board has been the greatest joy of my work with Art in Public Places,” said Erin Merrill, Secretary of the APP Board of Directors and founder of the Junior Board program. “Getting to work alongside these students, watching them step into leadership, find their voices, and invest in their community has been a gift. Being able to send them off with a scholarship is something I'll always be proud of.”
This year’s scholarship recipients represent six schools across the Wiregrass and will attend colleges and universities throughout Alabama.
Jansen Kirkland, a graduate of Houston Academy and a two-year Junior Board member, plans to attend Auburn University to study Biomedical Sciences on the pre-med track. APP said Kirkland reflected on how her time with the organization allowed her to witness firsthand the impact public art organizations can have on a community.
Ella Cobb and Lilly Richards, both graduates of Rehobeth High School and founding members of the Junior Board, will also attend Auburn University. Both students plan to study Nutritional Sciences on a pre-Physician’s Assistant track. APP said Cobb served as the board’s Social Media Chair during the 2024-25 year and as Secretary during the 2025-26 term, while Richards served as Treasurer during the 2025-26 year.
Oliver Parsons, a graduate of Providence Christian School and former Junior Board President, plans to attend the University of Alabama to study Communications. APP described Parsons as a photographer and longtime participant in Dothan’s arts community who viewed his involvement with APP as a natural extension of his connection to the region’s arts scene.
Jenna Snider, a graduate of Dothan High School and another founding Junior Board member, plans to attend Faulkner University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
Xiomara Birdsall, who served as Public Relations Chair during the past year, graduated from Cottonwood High School and plans to study Radiology at Wallace College.
According to APP, each scholarship recipient completed at least 20 hours of volunteer service supporting APP and the broader arts community and was selected based on leadership, service and dedication.
