The MSA Opportunity & Experience Fund is pleased to announce recipients for its Fall 2026 awards. Many talented students applied seeking funding support to further their artistic goals, says fund creator and MSA alumni parent Elizabeth Nielsen (above 3rd from left). Nielsen along with MSA Foundation boardmember Hope Blackman (2nd from left) carefully review all fund applications and help all who apply connect with mentors and resources to further their dreams.
Fall 2026 fund recipients include:
1. Donovan Jacobson, ’29, Instrumental Music: Awarded $1,000 for a selection of marching band-style drums for the newly formed NHS pep band. Donovan is an enthusiastic supporter of the pep band and plans to donate the drums to the school for future pep band and marching band drummers. We were particularly impressed with his comprehensive and focused application, his enthusiasm and determination to help make the pep band a success for everyone in the school, and his creative ideas for how the pep band could help MSA and Novato High have deeper connections with the greater Novato community.
2. Emily Smith, ’26, Theatre: Awarded $1,800 for a MacBook Pro Laptop to be used for lighting and theatrical design at MSA. Emily has developed as a leader in production design focusing on lighting, responsible for major shows at MSA, as well as lighting design at fundraising events and other outside gigs. We were impressed with how Emily stepped up to learn this skill when prior students and volunteers had moved on upon graduating from MSA/Novato High, and she is encouraging other students to become involved in technical production. Prior to receiving this award, Emily had to rely on friends’, peers’ and teachers’ computers to do her work. Now, she can have a consistent level of professional work on her own computer that she can carry with her no matter where the event or production is housed. This laptop will also allow her to further develop her technical skills.
3. Nyla Sperling, ’26, Theatre: Awarded $900 for a sewing machine and materials to be used crafting costumes for MSA Theatre, among others. Nyla developed a fascination with the creation of costuming and other fabric design and has stepped up to provide much needed help in the costuming for MSA shows. With this new sewing machine to replace an older, irreparable one, Nyla plans to not only help craft costumes for future productions, but also formal wear and other clothing for classmates. We were impressed with her passion for the subject, her delight in the craft and her creative use of materials.
The Fund will open for its Spring 2026 Awards cycle following midwinter Break (link will be shared in our next newsletter).