Carol Kwiatkowski
Performing Arts Scholarship
Congratulations to the 2026 recipient, Maya Ortiz!
Maya Ortiz is beyond honored to have been given this scholarship and is thrilled to be attending Taylor University next fall to pursue her dream of music education! Along with teaching, Maya will be joining an auditioned choir ensemble and looks forward to investing in their theater program as well! She is so grateful for Bedford community players and the role this organization has played in her life the past couple of years. From Frozen Junior to Descendants, and everything that is to come in the future, BCP will forever be a wonderful part of Maya‘s journey!
Carol Emptage Kwiatkowski, “Mrs. K”, began her teaching career at Bedford High School in 1962. She directed and produced high school musicals and plays for twenty years. Mrs. K was best known as the “theatre mom” to the Bedford stage, where her creativity kept her “right brained” students highly stimulated.
Carol’s community theatre involvement included the Village Players, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, and Bedford Community Players. She dedicated her time and talents to direct, produce, usher, house manage, tend to concessions, stage manage, and act.
Carol passed away in 2005, following her retirement from Bedford High School in 2000. Mrs. K was a most beloved teacher and mentor. She is an honorary member of the International Thespian Society and will always be listed as an “Angel” in the Bedford Theatre Arts program.
“The Little Theatre” in Mrs. K’s classroom has been named the Carol Kwiatkowski Theatre in honor of her remarkable contribution to the Bedford Theatre Arts.
To continue her legacy, Bedford Community Players and the Emptage family offer a $1,000 scholarship each year to any graduating senior or college student, who either lives in Bedford Township or has participated in a BCP show in the past three years, intent on pursuing theatre, music, or music/arts education.