Music is more than just a passion for me. It is a powerful force that connects, communicates, and transforms. From a young age, I recognized that music could reach people on emotional, intellectual, and even physical levels. It became clear to me that music could be more than personal fulfillment, but also a way to positively impact others. This realization led me to pursue a degree in Music at Morgan State University, to become a music educator, and ultimately to give back to the community that has supported my journey. My musical journey began in the fourth grade when I started learning the saxophone. I was fortunate to have had an incredible teacher who saw my potential early on. His approach—making music fun by allowing us to choose the pieces we played—made a lasting impression. He encouraged my growth and helped me build a solid foundation that sparked my interest to continue. In middle school, another great teacher helped me step out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to perform in front of others. These experiences were instrumental in building both my skills and confidence. Fueled by this encouragement, I auditioned for and was accepted into a performing arts high school. There, my love for music deepened further. My high school band teacher played a particularly influential role in my life, teaching me not only musicianship but also professionalism, confidence, and other valuable life lessons. These educators did more than teach—they inspired. Because of them, I realized that I wanted to become the kind of teacher who could make a lasting impact on students’ lives through music. Now, as a student at Morgan State University, I am committed to developing my craft and leadership skills. I have performed as a soloist and in small ensembles in front of large audiences, helping me to gain confidence that extends beyond the stage. I am actively involved in all of Morgan’s bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. Currently serving as Principal Saxophone and Assistant Section Leader, I’ve gained valuable lessons in accountability, flexibility, integrity, and respect. These experiences have been crucial in preparing me for my future as a music educator because leadership is fundamentally about working with people, a skill that is essential in teaching and beyond. Being a part of a diverse HBCU community has also expanded my musical horizons and cultural understanding. Exposure to a variety of musical genres has strengthened my musicianship and broadened my perspective, making me a more thoughtful and well-rounded musician and leader. Additionally, I enrolled in Morgan State’s five-year dual degree program to earn my Master’s in Teaching while completing my undergraduate studies. My ultimate goal is to become a music teacher who inspires students just as my teachers have inspired me. I want to give young people the opportunity to discover their love for music and to experience its life-changing power. Beyond the classroom, I aspire to open a music studio in my community where individuals of all ages and economic backgrounds can access music lessons and masterclasses. I believe this will be a meaningful way to give back and ensure that the transformative power of music is accessible to all. In every stage of my journey, music has shaped who I am and who I want to become. It continues to guide my growth, fuel my aspirations, and strengthen my commitment to serve others through teaching. I am excited to continue developing my talents and using music as a tool for education, empowerment, and connection.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 KJV). To me, charity means selflessly helping others in need. I believe that every act of kindness, big or small, ultimately serves the community, pleases God, and brings a sense of fulfillment to the giver. Charity has always been a guiding principle in my life. From a young age, I began giving back through basketball, first as a player, then as a volunteer coach and mentor. I used the sport to teach teamwork, respect, and discipline. I also served as a counselor at Worldview Christian Center Clubhouse, helping children academically and emotionally through play and support. These experiences confirmed my passion for serving the youth. Currently, I am a junior at Morgan State University, majoring in Music and enrolled in a five-year dual degree program to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching. My goal is to become a secondary school music teacher and, eventually, open a community music studio. I intend to give back by using music to uplift and educate students of all backgrounds and abilities. Through teaching and continued community service, I will dedicate my life to empowering the next generation—one act of charity at a time.

Growing up, I was often the only girl in the room. I was the only female saxophone player in my high school band for all four years, and one of the few girls on my early basketball teams. Instead of letting that intimidate me, I turned it into my strength. Being “the only” became my superpower. It forced me to work twice as hard, to prove myself in male-dominated spaces, and to find pride in my womanhood. These experiences shaped my dedication to empowering women and creating inclusive environments, especially in music. In every band I’ve joined, men have been the majority. I’ve seen how easily girls can feel excluded or discouraged, and I want to change that. My goal is to lead by example, showing young women that they belong in music and can thrive in it. Representation matters. If girls can see me succeed, they’ll believe they can too. As a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Music, I’ve committed myself to building a future that uplifts others. I am enrolled in Morgan’s five-year dual degree program to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching while completing my undergraduate degree. My ultimate goal is to become a secondary school music teacher, particularly in my home community of Prince George’s County. There is a lack of accessible, high-quality music education in the area, and I want to change that. I aim to provide students with the tools to discover their love for music and help them grow both creatively and personally. I believe music can be life-changing, and I want to be the teacher who helps unlock that potential for others, just as my teachers did for me. Beyond the classroom, I envision opening a community music studio where students of all ages and economic backgrounds can explore music through private lessons and masterclasses. This long-term dream is rooted in my belief that music should be inclusive and available to all. I plan to create opportunities for those who might otherwise be left out. I am also deeply involved in community service, which I believe is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change. Through volunteering as a basketball coach, camp counselor, and mentor, I’ve discovered my passion for working with youth. I use sports and music to teach life lessons like teamwork, confidence, and perseverance. These experiences have shown me how much potential young people have when given the chance, and how essential it is to provide them with role models and support. Empowering women, especially through education and the arts, is how I plan to make a difference. By creating space for girls in music and leading with compassion and purpose, I hope to inspire the next generation to rise, lead, and believe in their own strength.

“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). This verse serves as a guiding principle in my life. I believe community service is about helping others without expecting anything in return. Through serving others, I believe we honor God and find purpose and joy. My name is Rebekah Bobo, and I am a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Music. I am also enrolled in Morgan’s five-year dual-degree program, which allows me to begin working toward a Master of Arts in Teaching while completing my undergraduate studies. My ultimate goal is to become a secondary school music teacher and one day open a community music studio to provide music education to people of all ages, regardless of their background. I have always loved sharing my gifts with others, especially the youth, who are the future. Through volunteer work—as a basketball coach, camp counselor, and mentor—I’ve learned the value of patience, leadership, and encouragement. I use my passion for basketball and music to teach important life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and confidence. These experiences have strengthened my calling to teach and to serve. As a music major, I’m actively involved in all of Morgan’s bands, including the Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. These commitments require many hours of practice, sometimes up to five hours a day during band season, which makes balancing work and studies challenging. Additionally, music students face unique expenses, such as instrument maintenance, replacement parts, and specialized materials. This scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and musical development. It would help cover essential costs like tuition, books, room and board, and supplies, especially since Morgan State is 90 minutes from my home, and living on campus is necessary. Ideally, I hope to avoid student loans and working a job that might interfere with my demanding academic and band schedules. Continuing my education is more than a personal goal—it’s a step toward serving my community and honoring the talents God gave me. I am passionate, hardworking, and committed to making a positive impact. This scholarship would help me move closer to fulfilling that mission.

Music is my passion. To me, music is something bigger than just personal enjoyment. Music helps us communicate, impacts us physically and emotionally, and connects us. I want to share the power of music with the people around me. I am majoring in Music at Morgan State University. Ultimately, I would like to obtain a Master's degree in Teaching through Morgan's five-year dual degree program and pursue a career as a music educator. I started learning the saxophone in the fourth grade with an amazing teacher who nourished the potential he saw in me and always encouraged me to become better. He also made learning enjoyable by allowing us to choose the music played. This opportunity encouraged me to want to learn even more. In middle school, another excellent teacher saw my talents and pushed me out of my comfort zone. She gently nudged me to perform in front of others, further sparking my interest in music. This experience inspired me to apply to a performing arts high school into which I was accepted. Throughout my high school career, I developed a more profound love for music. Additionally, my high school band teacher made a great impression on me. He taught me many intangible qualities: professionalism, musicianship, confidence, performance, and other life lessons. Collectively, these educators led me to my career path of being a music teacher. I want to inspire students the same way my band teachers have done for me. An effective teacher's impact on a child is long-lasting. I want to give students a chance to find their love of music. Music is powerful and greatly influences our lives, and I want to show students how to capture these moments in time. In addition, my long-term goal is to open a music studio within my community to expose students -- regardless of age and economic status -- to various music genres through private music lessons and masterclasses. I believe majoring in Music and becoming a music teacher will be one way I can give back to the community. The arts are important because they provide powerful tools for personal growth, education, and community impact. At Morgan, I have played my saxophone as a soloist and in small groups in front of large audiences. This has allowed me to find my confidence on stage, which crossed over into my life. Additionally, I participate in all of Morgan State’s bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. I am currently the Principal Saxophone and the Assistant Section Leader. These positions taught me accountability, flexibility, integrity, and respect. This has greatly prepared me for my future goals because being a leader is all about dealing with people, which is a skill necessary for anything in life. Lastly, as a music major and being in a diverse HBCU, I have learned different genres of music. This not only improved my musicianship but also helped me understand cultures different from my own and become a better music leader. Music continues to shape my identity, enhance my skills, and prepare me to uplift and give back to my community.

My name is Rebekah Bobo, and I am a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Music. Although I just completed my second year, I entered with over nine college credits earned in high school, accelerating my classification. This semester, I took another significant step by enrolling in Morgan’s five-year dual-degree Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. This opportunity allows me to begin my graduate coursework while completing my undergraduate studies, reflecting both my dedication to higher education and my long-term career goals. Music has always been a central part of my life. I began playing the saxophone in fourth grade and have remained committed to it through middle school, high school, and now college. At Morgan, I participate in every band ensemble available, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. These experiences have sharpened my musicianship, built my confidence, and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in music education. My ultimate goal is to become a secondary school music teacher, particularly in my home community of Prince George’s County. There is a lack of accessible, high-quality music education in the area, and I want to change that. I aim to provide students with the tools to discover their love for music and help them grow both creatively and personally. I believe music can be life-changing, and I want to be the teacher who helps unlock that potential for others, just as my teachers did for me. Beyond the classroom, I envision opening a community music studio where students of all ages and economic backgrounds can explore music through private lessons and masterclasses. This long-term dream is rooted in my belief that music should be inclusive and available to all. The MAT program will prepare me for certification and student teaching, both of which are crucial steps toward achieving my goals. My community service experiences—such as coaching at basketball camps and working as a camp counselor—have helped me develop the patience, communication skills, and passion required to connect with youth. These experiences have confirmed that education is the right path for me. I am a hardworking, self-motivated student who is committed to academic success and service to others. Living away from home has taught me independence and perseverance, while my upbeat personality has helped me build strong relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds. I’m excited about my future and confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact through music education. However, pursuing higher education comes with financial challenges. As a full-time student deeply involved in Morgan’s demanding band program, where we often practice 3–5 hours daily, I have limited time for outside employment. In addition to tuition, fees, and room and board, I face expenses specific to my major, such as instrument maintenance and music supplies. Receiving this scholarship would greatly ease these burdens and allow me to stay focused on my studies and musical commitments. Continuing my education is not just a personal goal—it’s a way for me to invest in my future students and my community. I am passionate about music, committed to teaching, and eager to grow into a leader who uplifts others through education. This scholarship would be a foundational support in helping me achieve these aspirations, and I would be honored to receive it.

Music is more than a passion for me—it's a powerful force that connects people, communicates emotion, and inspires growth. I plan to use music to uplift others by becoming a music educator. My journey began in fourth grade when an incredible teacher nurtured my interest in saxophone and encouraged creativity by letting us choose what we played. In middle school, another supportive teacher pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to perform. These early experiences led me to a performing arts high school, where my love for music deepened. My high school band teacher further shaped me by teaching me musicianship, professionalism, and life lessons that went beyond music. I am now majoring in Music at Morgan State University and enrolled in Morgan’s dual degree program to earn a Master’s in Teaching through. My goal is to become a music educator who inspires students the same way my teachers inspired me. I want to help young people discover their voices, build confidence, and express themselves through music—regardless of their background or resources. Beyond teaching, I aim to open my own music studio offering lessons and masterclasses to students of all ages and economic backgrounds. I believe access to music education can transform lives and strengthen communities. At Morgan, I’ve grown as a performer and leader through my involvement in the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. As Principal Saxophone and Assistant Section Leader, I’ve learned valuable skills like accountability, integrity, and collaboration—qualities that will serve me well as an educator and community advocate. Music has shaped my identity and taught me the importance of cultural understanding, especially at a diverse HBCU like Morgan. It’s my mission to use music to educate, empower, and bring people together.

Music is my passion. To me, music is something bigger than just personal enjoyment. Music helps us communicate, impacts us physically and emotionally, and connects us. I want to share the power of music with the people around me. I am majoring in Music at Morgan State University. Ultimately, I would like to obtain a Master's degree in Teaching through Morgan's five-year dual degree program and pursue a career as a music educator. I started learning the saxophone in the fourth grade with an amazing teacher who nourished the potential he saw in me and always encouraged me to become better. He also made learning enjoyable by allowing us to choose the music played. This opportunity encouraged me to want to learn even more. In middle school, another excellent teacher saw my talents and pushed me out of my comfort zone. She gently nudged me to perform in front of others, further sparking my interest in music. This experience inspired me to apply to a performing arts high school into which I was accepted. Throughout my high school career, I developed a more profound love for music. Additionally, my high school band teacher made a great impression on me. He taught me many intangible qualities: professionalism, musicianship, confidence, performance, and other life lessons. Collectively, these educators led me to my career path of being a music teacher. I want to inspire students the same way my band teachers have done for me. An effective teacher's impact on a child is long-lasting. I want to give students a chance to find their love of music. Music is powerful and greatly influences our lives, and I want to show students how to capture these moments in time. In addition, my long-term goal is to open a music studio within my community to expose students -- regardless of age and economic status -- to various music genres through private music lessons and masterclasses. I believe majoring in Music and becoming a music teacher will be one way I can give back to the community. The arts are important because they provide powerful tools for personal growth, education, and community impact. At Morgan, I have played my saxophone as a soloist and in small groups in front of large audiences. This has allowed me to find my confidence on stage, which crossed over into my life. Additionally, I participate in all of Morgan State’s bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. I am currently the Principal Saxophone and the Assistant Section Leader. These positions taught me accountability, flexibility, integrity, and respect. This has greatly prepared me for my future goals because being a leader is all about dealing with people, which is a skill necessary for anything in life. Lastly, as a music major and being in a diverse HBCU, I have learned different genres of music. This not only improved my musicianship but also helped me understand cultures different from my own and become a better music leader. Music continues to shape my identity, enhance my skills, and prepare me to uplift and give back to my community.

Music is my passion. To me, music is something bigger than just personal enjoyment. Music helps us communicate, impacts us physically and emotionally, and connects us. I want to share the power of music with the people around me. I am majoring in Music at Morgan State University. Ultimately, I would like to obtain a Master's degree in Teaching through Morgan's five-year dual degree program and pursue a career as a music educator. I started learning the saxophone in the fourth grade with an amazing teacher who nourished the potential he saw in me and always encouraged me to become better. He also made learning enjoyable by allowing us to choose the music played. This opportunity encouraged me to want to learn even more. In middle school, another excellent teacher saw my talents and pushed me out of my comfort zone. She gently nudged me to perform in front of others, further sparking my interest in music. This experience inspired me to apply to a performing arts high school into which I was accepted. Throughout my high school career, I developed a more profound love for music. Additionally, my high school band teacher made a great impression on me. He taught me many intangible qualities: professionalism, musicianship, confidence, performance, and other life lessons. Collectively, these educators led me to my career path of being a music teacher. I want to inspire students the same way my band teachers have done for me. An effective teacher's impact on a child is long-lasting. I want to give students a chance to find their love of music. Music is powerful and greatly influences our lives, and I want to show students how to capture these moments in time. In addition, my long-term goal is to open a music studio within my community to expose students -- regardless of age and economic status -- to various music genres through private music lessons and masterclasses. I believe majoring in Music and becoming a music teacher will be one way I can give back to the community. The arts are important because they provide powerful tools for personal growth, education, and community impact. At Morgan, I have played my saxophone as a soloist and in small groups in front of large audiences. This has allowed me to find my confidence on stage, which has crossed over into my life. Additionally, I participate in all of Morgan State’s bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. I am currently the Principal Saxophone and the Assistant Section Leader. These positions taught me accountability, flexibility, integrity, and respect. This has greatly prepared me for my future goals because being a leader is all about dealing with people, which is a skill necessary for anything in life. Lastly, as a music major and being in a diverse HBCU, I have learned different genres of music. This not only improved my musicianship but also helped me understand cultures different from my own and become a better music leader. Music continues to shape my identity, enhance my skills, and prepare me to uplift and give back to my community.

My name is Rebekah Bobo, and I am a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Music. From a young age, I’ve had a deep love for both music and basketball. A pivotal moment in my life came in the fourth grade when I began playing the saxophone. That experience sparked a passion that I’ve carried through middle and high school. At Morgan State, I currently participate in all its bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Bear Pep Band, and Jazz Combo. My ultimate goal in life is to use my talents to help and inspire others. One of the most impactful ways I plan to do this is by serving my community through music education. I have always loved mentoring and sharing my passions with others, particularly youth. They are the future, and I believe with proper support and positive role models, they can achieve anything. I want to be one of those guiding voices, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and develop their unique talents. Music is more than an art form to me—it’s a powerful tool for connection, communication, and emotional expression. It shapes how we experience the world and can be a profound source of healing and inspiration. I want to share the power of music with the people around me. I am majoring in Music and am enrolled in Morgan State’s 5-year dual degree program, which will enable me to graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching. This program equips me to become not only a better musician but also a strong, effective educator. Becoming a music teacher is the most direct and meaningful way I plan to serve my community. Teachers have the power to change lives, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from educators who saw my potential and pushed me to grow. Their influence helped shape the person I am today. I want to give students the same opportunity to discover their passion and feel empowered through learning. Music class should be a space where students can explore creativity, build confidence, and find joy in their accomplishments. In addition to teaching, I also dream of opening a private music studio in my community. The studio would welcome students of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of financial ability. It would offer private lessons, group workshops, and masterclasses across all genres and instruments. I know firsthand how impactful private lessons can be. They helped me grow as both a performer and an individual. Unfortunately, not every family can afford such opportunities. My goal is to make music education accessible to all, so that every child has the chance to develop their musical gifts. Community service is central to my identity. I believe in serving others because it aligns with the values I live by—compassion, purpose, and faith. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” I see my musical and teaching abilities as tools to fulfill that purpose. My college education and experiences are the foundation upon which I will build a life of service, using my talents to uplift others and strengthen my community. Through teaching and mentorship, I hope to inspire future generations, just as others have inspired me.

If given the opportunity, I would dedicate myself to creating programs that connect with the diverse interests of young people in my community. My primary goal is to uplift and inspire youth by helping them find and nurture their passions, whether in music, sports, academics, or the arts. This work is deeply personal to me because I believe the youth are the future. By guiding and supporting them, we ensure a stronger, more vibrant community. My passion lies in music, which has played a central role in shaping who I am today. I am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music at Morgan State University and am enrolled in the university’s 5-year dual degree program, which will enable me to graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching. My dream is to become a music educator. I want to teach not just notes and rhythms, but also confidence, creativity, and discipline—skills that can help young people thrive in every area of life. I was fortunate to have teachers who saw potential in me and helped me grow as a musician and individual. Starting in the fourth grade, my music teachers encouraged and challenged me, helping me discover a love for performance and the deeper meaning behind music. Their belief in me planted the seed for my own desire to teach and give back to others. I want to be that same guiding force for the next generation—to help them find their spark and show them what’s possible with hard work and passion. Beyond becoming a teacher, I also aim to open a private music studio in my community. This studio would be accessible to students of all ages and financial backgrounds and would offer private lessons, group workshops, and masterclasses across various genres and instruments. Many families in my area cannot afford private instruction, yet private lessons were essential to my growth as a musician. I want to remove that barrier and provide opportunities for young people to experience the power of music education, no matter their circumstances. In addition to music, I have been involved in community service for many years—working as a youth counselor, tutoring students, and coaching basketball. I’ve seen how impactful positive role models can be. Whether on the court or in the classroom, I strive to teach values like teamwork, discipline, and respect. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to serve and support my community. Community service is important to me because it reflects the values I hold dear: compassion, purpose, and faith. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” I believe that by using my talents to serve others, I am living out my purpose and contributing to something greater than myself. Improving my community begins with investing in its youth. Through music education and mentorship, I aim to provide the tools, encouragement, and opportunities young people need to succeed. My mission is to inspire them to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in themselves, just as others once did for me.