Scholarship Donation
This scholarship goes to a high school senior who expects to continue their vocal experience in college or university.
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Wilmington Choral Society

Dave Hardee Scholarship Program

Each year, The Wilmington Choral Society awards the Dave Hardee Scholarship for Vocal Performing Arts or Music Education to a graduating high school student in New Hanover, Brunswick or Pender County, who is active in a school, church or private choral program, and who plans to pursue vocal performing arts or music education at the college level. The scholarship, named to honor the memory of one of our beloved past presidents, is funded by contributions from our members and from supportive donors, and will be offered in an amount up to $2,000.

Eligibility

Applicant is a graduating high school student in the Cape Fear Tri-County area (New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender County) during the 2025-2026 school year who plans to pursue vocal performing arts or music education at the college level and is currently a member of a school, church, private choral program or under the direction of a private vocal coach
Applicant is not required to major in music but should be enrolled in courses that continue their pursuit of music

Rules & Requirements

Live auditions may be requested by the committee
The decision of the committee judges is final
If the applicant is a student or family member of a scholarship committee judge, that judge will recuse themselves from the selection process
Recipient(s) are expected to apply their scholarship toward academic expenses
Recipient(s) may be invited to perform as a guest soloist at the Wilmington Choral Society Spring Concert or alternatively at a WCS Rehearsal

Application deadline is Saturday, February 28, 2026

We will be announcing our recipient soon!

If needed, a paper application is also available. Mail all items listed above along with a USB drive containing performance video, postmarked by FEBRUARY 28, 2026 to:

Wilmington Choral Society Scholarship

c/o Shar Rifkin

754 Sloop Pointe Lane

Kure Beach, NC 28449

Thanks and reach out with any questions!

Contact info shar.rifkin@gmail.com

Apply Now

DOWNLOAD Paper Application Here

Dave Hardee Scholarship Award Winners

2025

Samantha Davis is a graduating senior from EA Laney High School, where she leads her schoolmates as the Choir President. She also shares her vocal talents, singing soprano with the Wilmington Choral Society. Samantha plans on pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and wishes to become a collegiate voice teacher, bringing up the next generation of musical participants through love, kindness, and compassion allowed by the power of music.

Samantha Davis

2024

Chase Barnette

2022

Trinity Cottle

Emma Katherine Warren is a graduating senior from John T Hoggard High School. In addition to participating in both her school and church choir, she was a member of the All-County Chorus and the UNCW Invitational in both her Junior and Senior years. On several occasions, she has sung with Opera Wilmington as well as performed the National Anthem at many regional events. Emma Katherine plans on pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at East Carolina University and hopes to travel internationally to expand her career in operatic singing.