Nominations Sought for 2021 Vivian Christy Sansoni Award
Nominate a Winchester Public Schools student with a love for the arts
The Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA), in partnership with the family of Vivian Christy Sansoni, is pleased to announce the 2021 release of the Vivian Christy Sansoni Scholarship Award.
In 2015, Vivian’s family created a scholarship in her memory. Vivian was a youth actress, singer, dancer, and musician and the arts provided a wonderful outlet for her creativity to thrive. This award is given in her memory to students when a financial need prohibits exploration of their talent and creativity. Those selected this fall will receive free arts instruction as a result of this scholarship.
This year, funds will be awarded to a student (or students) enrolled in Winchester Public Schools with financial need who otherwise would not have the opportunity to explore the arts through the many programs offered at SCAA. In 2021, there are two award periods that align with the spring session and the summer session. The intent of this award is to offer a student the chance to experience the sense of belonging, excitement, and learning that the arts can offer.
The SCAA is asking for community assistance to identify students who attend Winchester Public Schools (grades K-12 are eligible) and have an interest in the performing arts. SCAA offers class instruction in dance, theater (ages 9-12), orchestra, choir, and individual lessons in voice and a variety of instruments. A complete listing of programs, as well as information about SCAA, can be found at www.scartsacademy.org. It is important to note that this year due to COVID 19 considerations, the spring session (starting Jan. 25), will begin with instruction online and move toward traditional in-person classroom instruction if health conditions warrant. (As SCAA offers in-person instruction, they will also continue to offer a hybrid format that allows students to choose to be online or to take classes/lessons in-person as best suits their personal and family needs.)
Please take a few minutes to nominate a student for this award. If selected, the student will receive free instruction in the area of his/her interest for either (or both) the Spring ’21 session or the Summer ’21 session. The student’s family will only be responsible for the registration fee of $35.
Community assistance is essential in identifying a Winchester Public Schools student (s) who would not otherwise have the opportunity due to financial constraint. All nominations are due to SCAA at the address below by Jan. 8, 2021, so awarded students may begin arts instruction in late January.
Donations are welcome to the scholarship fund in Vivian’s name to help deserving students explore and enhance their creative talents. You can donate at https://advancement.su.edu/vivian-christy-sansoni-scholarship.
If you have questions about the instruction or the nomination process, or to obtain the application form, contact SCAA at (540) 665-4602 or at scaa@su.edu. Staff is happy to help suggest classes, assist with the nomination process, or answer any questions. Thank you for your assistance to serve the talented youth of our area and for honoring a special young lady.
