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Success Stories

Lawrence "LJ" Hickmon

Ramapo Success Story

“In my time at Ramapo, my faith in my own potential was restored. For that, I am ever grateful. My experience at Ramapo taught me confidence, honesty,humility and how to demand the best of myself every day. Thank you, Ramapo, and I hope to make you proud in the future.” – Lawrence “L.J.” Hickmon ’16 graduated with a degree in Contemporary Arts. L.J. was the Region II winner of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. In addition to the scholarship, L.J., along with 7 other regional winners, was awarded the opportunity to train under master teachers and perform at The National Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C., April 2016. L.J., accompanied by his scene partner and Ramapo alum, Samantha Simone, came away with two awards – the VASTA award for Vocal Excellence and The National Partners of the American Theatre Classical Acting Award. The VASTA award provides a $500 scholarship and membership in the VASTA organization. The NAPAT award gives L.J. a 4 week, all-expenses paid internship and residency at the Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada, May-June 2016. There, he will receive training, shadow professional actors, attend shows and benefit from the many networking opportunities. In the Fall, L.J. will begin Florida State University’s renowned M.F.A. Acting program where he will continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor.