First Annual Scholarship Competition Winners and Event Information

The Opera Guild for Atlanta is pleased to annnounce its successful first annual Scholarship Competition.

The event took place Sunday, April 30, 2017, from 3-6 p.m. at Morningside Presbyterian Church.

The judges were Helen Bickers, soprano; Jeanné Brown, soprano, Sam Hagan, tenor, and members of The Opera Guild for Atlanta. Ben Leaptrott served as Staff Accompanist for the event.

Each contestant began with a song or aria of his or her choice. The judges then asked for a second selection from each contestant.

Pictured left to right above are contestants Jarius Cliett, baritone; Denisha Miller, soprano; Lucy Stearns, soprano; Samuel Ferreira, baritone; Gabrielle Beteag, mezzo-soprano; David Araujo, tenor; Callaway Powlus, soprano; and Brianna Perez, soprano; and Sarah Ellena Hogrefe, Mistress of Ceremonies.

Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded in 2017. Pictured left to right above are Megan Mashburn, Scholarship Competition Chairperson; Callaway Powlus, Undergraduate Division Winner; Gabrielle Beteag, Graduate Division Winner; Samuel Ferreira, Tommy Trotter Memorial Scholarship Winner; and W. Dwight Coleman, Opera Guild for Atlanta President.

Second from the left in the above photo is Dr. Cecil Benoit, creator of the Tommy Trotter Memorial Scholarship and Endowment with his scholarship recipiant, baritone Samuel Ferreira, to his left. Also pictured are Megan Mashburn, W. Dwight Coleman, and Sarah Ellena Hogrefe.

Following the comeption and the awards ceremony, contestants, judges, and Opera Guild for Atlanta members enjoyed food and fellowship at the lovely reception.