Ryannah Blackman

Hello Ms. McArthur! I wanted to take a moment to thank you! I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded this scholarship. It means so much to have my potential as a musician seen, and to have been given to financial support to continue to pursue my musical aspirations. During my time at the University of Colorado College of Music, not only will I work to build my future as a musician, but I will hope to eventually give back, and do the amazing work you do in supporting young people in the arts. It is through generous people like you that the arts become more accessible, and I want to thank you once again for providing me with the opportunity to flourish and become closer to achieving my goals.

Elijah Morman

Hello hello! I just wanted to say thank you for this generous award. For some time during my college career, I had found it occasionally hard to reassure myself how secure a pursuit of music is. I feel seen and recognized in my journey at Belmont University, the school I attend, and I will do my absolute best to establish music-making as a passion that should be shared and cultivated, especially for young students. I want to provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and showcase their gifts in front of appreciative and acknowledging audiences. This award brings me steps closer to achieving this. I am so grateful for this scholarship, and commend you for finding young people who wish to exhibit their talents, as well as assist their peers in doing so. I pray people continue to use the gift of music to share expression and experience. Thank you, and God bless you!