The family of Vivian Christy Sansoni is honored to pay tribute to her by announcing the newest Vivian Christy Sansoni Award recipients. This is the second year that scholarships have been given since the award was created in 2015. Vivian, a longtime student at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA), was an actress, singer, dancer and musician. Honoring Vivian, this scholarship allows several local students to attend the SCAA without the burden of tuition, so that they may explore the arts as Vivian did.
The 2017 recipients are:
- Emma Kay Davis, John Kerr Elementary School, ballet class
- Yasmina Guerra, Daniel Morgan Middle School, private piano lessons
- Emma Drummonds, John Handley High School, Top of Virginia Youth Chorale class
Each year, the Vivian Christy Sansoni Award is given to a student or students enrolled in Winchester City Public Schools with demonstrated financial need, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to explore the arts through the many programs offered at SCAA.
“Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy gave Vivian the opportunity to grow, explore her many talents, and to imagine, inspire, originate and innovate,” said her mother, Amy Christy-Davila, of Winchester. “Vivian’s performances through SCAA have provided her family and friends with memories that will last a lifetime.”
“While she left this earth far, far too early, Vivian’s soul and spirit remain,” said her father, Brian Sansoni, of Silver Spring, Maryland. “Her talent, joy, imagination, inspiration and creativity will live on through this scholarship. We know this scholarship will help prepare future generations of singers, actors, dancers, musicians and beautiful creative souls.”
The intent of this award is to offer a student or students the chance to experience how the performing arts can bring a sense of belonging and purpose to life.
Any individual or organization may add to this fund at any time through direct gifts, properties, securities, trusts or bequests in order to enhance the number and size of the awards being made.
To donate to The Vivian Christy Sansoni Award, contact Assistant Vice President for Advancement Greeley Myers at 540/665-4936 or gmyers2@su.edu. You may also give online via su.edu/christysansoni.
Shenandoah University and the SCAA express sincere appreciation to Vivian’s family for its generosity in establishing this scholarship in her memory.
