Independent Arts News Reporting Neshaminy High School Seniors Memphis Hanson, Joseph Milillo, and Samantha Orleski Awarded Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre Scholarship
Reported on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Pictured Above: Neshaminy Class of 2026 senior and NVMT scholarship recipient Samantha Orleski of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Samantha Orleski.
NEWRSOOM POST: LANGHORNE, PENNSYLVANIA
What/Who: College scholarships totally $6,000 awarded by Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre to Neshaminy High School Class of 2026 seniors Memphis Hanson, Joseph Milillo, and Samantha Orleski for study in the arts
When: Awarded at Neshaminy High School’s senior awards night June 3, 20256
Langhorne, PA – Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre awarded three scholarship grants totaling $6,000 to Neshaminy High School seniors Memphis Hanson of Feasterville, Joseph Milillo of Feasterville, and Samantha Orleski of Langhorne, who are planning to study the arts in college this fall.
Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre (NVMT) is a not-for-profit scholarship organization that has offered competitive grants since its founding in 1956 to students graduating from the Neshaminy School District and planning to study the fine or performing arts in college. The organization mounts an annual musical, the proceeds from which go into a scholarship fund. Generous donors have also contributed to build the fund. To date, NVMT has awarded $183,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students.
The organization’s 2026 production of The Wizard of Oz was presented in April at Neshaminy High School Auditorium. The show featured a cast and crew of more than 60 community members from throughout the Delaware Valley and was directed by Barrymore Award-nominated director/choreographer Stephen Casey.
“NVMT’s scholarship grant program has been one of the most positive and rewarding forces behind the success of our theatre group for more than a half century,” stated Tom Urquhart, president of the organization. “While we strive for excellence in our stage productions, it is always with the objective of providing funds for our scholarship grants in order to support deserving young people in their quest to achieve their dreams. We’ve been most proud of our recipients and truly happy to have been able to help them!”
The NVMT scholarship was announced at Neshaminy’s Class of 2026 senior awards night held on June 3.
Hanson received support from NVMT through the George W. Kinsley III Memorial Scholarship for Students of Theatrical Technical Production. He will be majoring in technical theater production as he begins his college career this fall at Boston University. Hanson plans to further pursue a Masters in the field with an eye to becoming a production manager in the entertainment industry, ultimately working on Broadway. At Neshaminy he has maintained high grades while taking honors and AP courses as well as drama, choir, and entertainment marketing. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has worked in technical production in the theater program.
Pictured Above: Neshaminy Class of 2026 senior and NVMT scholarship recipient Memphis Hanson of Feasterville, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Memphis Hanson.
In support of his scholarship application, School Counselor Katherine Overcash described Hanson as a hardworking, conscientious student, who dedicates himself to the school theater program, while holding a part-time job and mentoring younger students.
Milillo received support from NVMT through the Joseph J. McGlade Memorial Scholarship Fund. He plans to attend Kutztown University to major in commercial music studies with a goal to enter the field of music production and audio engineering. His major is a unique music industry program that allows the student to learn about music performance, production, and theory as well as providing the opportunity to build significant personal connections to help ensure success in the music industry.
Orleski received support from NVMT through the Evelyn McLean Founder’s Scholarship, named for the organization’s founder. She will be majoring in music education and minoring in theater in the fall at James Madison University. Orleski has taken honors and AP classes and courses in drama and choir. She served as treasurer and president of Neshaminy High School’s drama club and soprano section leader for the school’s choir and concert choir. Last fall she was voted homecoming queen by her peers.
In support of her scholarship application, School Counselor Jennifer Coe described Orleski as mature, intelligent, talented, and hard-working, noting she is well-respected by both peers and adults.
NVMT has received national recognition for its annual productions, including 32 nominations and seven wins from the International Music and Entertainment Association in categories such as outstanding performer, outstanding director, and outstanding scenic design. All the participants on stage and behind the scenes are volunteers.
The application process for 2027 scholarships, open to graduating seniors of Neshaminy High School, will be available next spring.
NVMT will announce its spring 2027 production later this summer. Auditions will be held in the fall.
For more information on Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre and its scholarship program, visit nvmt.org, or email nvmt@verizon.net or call 215-860-1584.
Pictured Above: Neshaminy Class of 2026 senior and NVMT scholarship recipient Joseph Milillo of Feasterville, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Joseph Milillo.
About NVMT:
The Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre was established in 1956 as a not-for-profit, scholarship grant organization presenting a Broadway-type musical stage show each spring at the Neshaminy High School. Over the past 69 years $183,000 in scholarships has been awarded to more than 200 talented local high school seniors who planned to pursue their college education in the fine or performing arts. This group of non-professional volunteers takes pride in producing professional-level stage musicals, as well as serving the community through its scholarship grant program. NVMT welcomes all interested community members to join them in a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you like to sing, dance or act, there are many ways to participate in this vibrant community theatre. The group is always also looking for artists and craftspeople to build sets, paint scenery, make costumes and contribute to our award-winning scenic design, and work behind the scenes as stage crew and business staff. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. Even a total novice will find this a great way to meet people and test their secret dream “to be a star.”
For further information on the next production email nvmt@verizon.net or visit www.nvmt.org.
