Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients. We are proud of your achievements and dedication to the Gloucester County Children’s Choir. Scholarships were awarded at the GCCC Spring Concert in May 2018.
Seniors
Tess Derenberger
Tess is a senior graduating from Pitman High School. She has been active throughout her high school career, her activities include varsity field hockey, varsity winter and spring track, Key club, Madrigals and the National Honor Society. She has also devoted many hours to community service, she especially likes spending time with the residents of Pitman Manor playing Bingo. Tess will be attending St. Lawrence University in Canton NY and has been named a University Scholar in recognition of her outstanding academic record and accomplishments. Additionally, Tess has been a faithful chorister for 9 years! In her essay she wrote” Music is very powerful and being a member of the choir has taught me that music can help you get through even your worst days”. She notes that the choir has taught her many valuable life lesion and skills that will remain with her entire life. She is appreciative to Mrs. Richardson and her staff for fostering her love of music.
Avery Garlic
Avery graduates from Woodbury Junior Senior High School this year. His extracurricular activities have included the marching band, school choir and the chess club. He plans to continue his love of music in college by joining the band and choir. Avery has been a member of the choir for 3 years and recalls his first concert performance as his favorite memory. Avery provides a quiet but strong presence in the choir, he is appreciative to Mrs. Richardson for helping him to gain confidence in himself and his vocal abilities. He notes that the friendships made in the choir has helped him to be more sociable and open. Because of his new-found confidence, he auditioned for his spring musical and earned the leading male role. He is very proud to be a member and representative of the Gloucester County Children’s Choir.
Gabrielle Johnson
Gabrielle is a homeschooled senior who is also a dual student at Rowan College at Gloucester County. She has already completed the first year of her Associate degree. In addition to the choir, she is very active in the Praise dance ministry at her church, Eureka Transformation Church where she also devotes many community service hours. After graduation, Gabby will attend Cumberland County College and has been accepted into the Fine Arts/ Theatre/Acting AFA program. She recounts her 4 years in the GCCC as wonderful and memorable. She credits Mrs. Richardson and her experiences in the choir for helping her to overcome her fear of singing in public and notes that the choir has provided her many learning opportunities and the chance to put smiles on the faces of others through the gift of song.
Marissa Lovelace-LaPierre
Marissa has been a member of the choir since she was 8 years old. She attends the Gloucester Institute of Technology with a focus on cosmetology. After graduation, she will attend Rowan College at Gloucester County for business and will also receive her cosmetology license this month. Marissa has devoted many hours of community service at Pitman Manor assisting in the hair salon. While volunteering, the staff recognized her talents, and offered her a paying job as a hair stylist! She continues to work, attend school and still is a devoted member of the choir. Her favorite memory while in the choir was traveling to Austria and Germany. She remembers visiting beautiful buildings with golden rooftops and evening dinners trying different foods. She says that memories of that trip constantly remind her that there is always more to see and experience in life. She is grateful to Mrs. Richardson for teaching her so much about music and fostering her love for the arts.
Juniors
Camilia Bell
This is Camilia’s 4th year as a chorister. She is a junior attending Williamstown High School. Her extracurricular activities include Williamstown High School African American Cultural Club, Student Council member of the NAACP, Youth Council for Success 1st and earned medalist in the ACTSO competitions. He favorite choir memory is singing her first solo during a choir performance. She recounts that the moment filled her with much joy and it was a great honor to see so many accepting and encouraging supporters in the audience. Camilia appreciates the dedication of Mrs. Richardson and her supporting staff for teaching her true professionalism and discipline in her craft. After graduation next year Camilia plans to attend either Hampton, Xavier or Rowan University.
Matthew Miles
Matthew is a junior attending West Deptford High School and Transitions Academy. He is very active in many activities including Cross County track, the bowling team and numerous community plays and musical productions. Additionally, he serves as a Cantor at his church on Sundays. Matthew thanks Mrs. Richardson and the choir for increasing his love of music and exposing him to many different songs and genres. He notes the different styles has helped bring diversity to his musical portfolio. He is especially grateful to Mrs. Richardson for assisting him to be a better sight reader and encouraging him to be a better musician. He is considering becoming a choral director because of Mrs. Richardson so that he too can help others to build their love of music and becoming the best they can be. After graduation, Matthew plans on attending Rowan College at Gloucester County.
The Gloucester County Children's Choir 