The Sara James Music Foundation awarded its first ever full-year music scholarship at their second annual Regional Talent Show on Saturday, April 18 at the Cherry Hill School of Rock. The recipient, Kirsten Cassidy, originally of Collingswood, now lives in Mt. Ephraim and turned 17-year-old on May 3. She plays flute in her school band, sings in the choir and participates in marching band. She is using the scholarship to learn guitar, study rock vocals and eventually will join the Sara James Foundation Band for select performances throughout the year.
Cassidy applied for the scholarship by going to the Sara James Music Foundation Facebook page and clicking the scholarship link in the about section. Part of the application is in essay form and it was Cassidy’s compelling story that won her the grant. The untimely death of her oldest brother, Patrick inspired her to pursue music. She became a mother at the age of 16 and transferred to three different schools to avoid bullying and the social stigma of being a young mother. She credits her father for pushing her to learn flute and said the doubt and negativity of her peers motivated her to rise above it all. She is proud to be different and has excelled in music, helping define her character and elevating her self-esteem.
The Sara James Music Foundation is a charity created by a young musician named Sara James in 2014. The sole objective of this foundation is to make music lessons accessible to low income children who are also inspired by music and share her desire and passion to play. Private donations, grants, sponsorships, performances and community events fund this charity and allow it to provide free professional lessons that will give more children the opportunity to make music.
For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit www.facebook.com/SaraJamesMusicFoundation or send an email to [email protected].
