Carol ANN GARRAMONE THEATER ARTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Carol Ann Garramone, a retired New York City public school teacher and guidance counselor, worked with the most underserved youth in the city. She moved to Ojai 32 years ago following an early retirement, seeking a more peaceful life as the public school system underwent changes that didn’t align with her goals and passion for the most vulnerable population. She built a beautiful new chapter—creating not just a home, but a vibrant community through her deep involvement in local theater throughout the county.
Carol found great joy on the stage as an actress, bringing together talented individuals and forming lasting connections. In later years, she was a devoted audience member—almost always seated in the front row—cheering on performers with enthusiasm and pride. Her passion for the craft never waned; she continued studying acting into her 80s.
While Carol was a bright stage light, she shone brighter as a champion of young artists in the Ojai community. She was a constant presence at youth performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support aspiring actors, whether in film or theater. She took particular delight in watching young performers grow and evolve over time. She was an especially devoted supporter of the Nordhoff High School drama program and its director, John Hoj.
Carol’s effervescent joy for life and her genuine connection with others touched every space she entered. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those around her.
Before her passing on March 23, 2026, at the age of 85, after a battle with cancer, Carol expressed a heartfelt wish: to establish a scholarship in her name for a Nordhoff High School theater arts student who embodies her love, passion, and curiosity for acting and for life. In her own words, she hoped to support “someone who wants to take a risk on themselves by pursuing acting, but might need the financial support to do so.”
Donations to Carol’s memorial scholarship are deeply appreciated and will help ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and support future generations within the Ojai community.
Carol found great joy on the stage as an actress, bringing together talented individuals and forming lasting connections. In later years, she was a devoted audience member—almost always seated in the front row—cheering on performers with enthusiasm and pride. Her passion for the craft never waned; she continued studying acting into her 80s.
While Carol was a bright stage light, she shone brighter as a champion of young artists in the Ojai community. She was a constant presence at youth performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support aspiring actors, whether in film or theater. She took particular delight in watching young performers grow and evolve over time. She was an especially devoted supporter of the Nordhoff High School drama program and its director, John Hoj.
Carol’s effervescent joy for life and her genuine connection with others touched every space she entered. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those around her.
Before her passing on March 23, 2026, at the age of 85, after a battle with cancer, Carol expressed a heartfelt wish: to establish a scholarship in her name for a Nordhoff High School theater arts student who embodies her love, passion, and curiosity for acting and for life. In her own words, she hoped to support “someone who wants to take a risk on themselves by pursuing acting, but might need the financial support to do so.”
Donations to Carol’s memorial scholarship are deeply appreciated and will help ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and support future generations within the Ojai community.
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BENNY SCHURMER SCHOLARSHIP FOR Dance, MUSIC or THEATER ARTSBenjamin “Benny” Scott Schurmer, class of 2022, passed away unexpectedly while a second year student at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) where he studied his passion for Theater Arts. Growing up Benny was a gifted athlete. He found the most joy in the sport of golf and excelled as a prized member (team and league MVP) of the Nordhoff golf team.
Benny had a great love for the theater and musical arts. He was a natural talent and was destined to become a star. Benny had a beautiful voice and excelled in playing numerous instruments. He held many theatrical roles including leads as The Cowboy Trio in Crazy For You, and Emmett in Legally Blonde while attending NHS. After high school Benny played Tommy in the production of The Music Man, and was cast in a major role in the SBCC play, Emma. Benny was a friend to all - his kindness, warmth, and charisma were contagious. He was a leader, always inclusive and compassionate towards others. His creative energy was boundless and his humor was captivating. In Benny’s honor, this scholarship has been set up to help an aspiring Nordhoff Dance, Music or Theater Arts student realize their dreams. Thank you for helping Benny’s memory live on in our hearts forever with your donation. -The Schurmer Family |
BENNY SCHURMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
$25.00
Thank you for your consideration in donating to the Benny Schurmer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit a Nordhoff student that wishes to pursue the musical and theater arts after high school.
BENNY SCHURMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
$50.00
Thank you for your consideration in donating to the Benny Schurmer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit a Nordhoff student that wishes to pursue the musical and theater arts after high school.
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Cromwell Chandler Scholarship for the Musical ArtsCamille Collett Cromwell Chandler, class of 2000, was a Peer Mediator, a softball and water polo player and a part of The Spanish Storytellers. But her greatest love was music, especially musical theater. In Junior High she started out in the Ojai Shakespeare Festival as an intern, eventually playing Queen Tatiana in Midsummer’s Night Dream and in the renaissance singing group Harmonia Mundi. She became an archipelago singer in Nordhoff’s Music Department and participated in each musical capping her Senior year as Polly in “Crazy for You.” So in Camille’s honor this scholarship is intended to help a Nordhoff senior study the Musical Arts. Thank you for helping another Ranger reach for the stars.
Her loving Family. |
A scholarship fund in Gray Duncan's name has been established for a graduating senior at Nordhoff High School who wants to pursue a ceramics career studying at a higher education institution or through an apprenticeship. Mr. Duncan's support and mentorship for almost 30 years with students will continue to live on with your contribution.
John C. Slade Memorial Scholarship Fund
The tragic death of John C. Slade sparked an outpouring of love and hundreds of Facebook memories of John’s impact on so many lives: as a teacher at Nordhoff High School, as an actor/director in the Ventura County arts community, in his career as a professional stage, film and television actor, and as a husband, father and friend. To enshrine his memory and spirit, the John C. Slade Memorial Theatre Scholarship Fund was established for a graduating senior at Nordhoff High School who wants to pursue a theater major in an institution of higher education. The first scholarship was awarded in 2018.
For cash or check donations, mail to Nordhoff Parent Association, Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, CA 93023. Please make checks payable to Nordhoff Parent Association, listing in the memo line of the check please include the name of the scholarship. All contributions to the scholarships or to the NPA is considered a tax exempt donation as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.