SDFMC awards scholarships

Posted

HURON — The South Dakota Federation of Music Clubs (SDFMC) recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to two university students for the 2021-2022 school year. Recipients include Jaime O’Neill from Huron and Ashley Fink from Marion.

Jaime O’Neill is a sophomore at South Dakota State University (SDSU) majoring in music education with an emphasis on choral conducting and piano. On campus he is active vocally in Concert Choir, serves as the accompanist for a 50-voice men’s choir, the Statesmen, and is a member of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center Events Crew, who produce professional recitals and concerts.

O’Neill is also the co-founder, piano accompanist and a vocalist for the Christian Contemporary Band, Trinity Hill. He served as Music Director for Brookings United Church of Christ this past year and is the Church Musician for Brookings St. Thomas More Catholic Parish providing bi-weekly music for the Spanish Mass.

Ashley Fink is a senior at University of Sioux Falls majoring in Music Education and Communication Studies & Theater. She is a member of the Concert Chorale, is a theatrical performer in plays and musicals at USF, and is a member of the USF Honors Program. Fink, also, is the playwright of Butterfly Wings that debuted in January of 2021 at Sioux Falls Christian High School. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer vocalist and drummer in two church praise bands.

A panel of three judges selected the recipients based upon a 10-15 minute audition video, school and community involvement, GPA, an essay on why he/she deserves and wants the scholarship plus his/her music goals, and teacher recommendation letters. For more information, contact Barb Valer at jbvaler@hur.midco.net.