Scholarships & Awards: Stevenson Instrumental Music Program
Annual Instrumental Music Scholarships & Awards
The Stevenson Instrumental Music Department, the Stevenson Band Boosters, and Utica Community Schools join forces to offer students opportunities to earn scholarships and awards each school year.
Scholarships:
Awards:
Louis Gonda Memorial Music Scholarship
- Established to fund opportunities for UCS band students to further their music education
- Over the years, the Gonda Fund has enabled hundreds of UCS students to attend music camps, take private lessons or otherwise enrich their music study
- Primary funding source is through admissions at UCS' annual Band-a-Rama Marching Band Show
- Open to Instrumental Music students in 9th - 11th grades that receive a 1st Division Rating at District Solo & Ensemble Festival
- 2024 Auditions: Wednesday, February 14, starting at 2:30 PM
- 2024 Gonda Scholarship Information pdf (available after 1/1/24)
Utica Community Schools - Louis Gonda Scholarship Information 2024
- Auditions will take place Wednesdsay, February 14th beginning at 2:30 PM at Eisenhower High School.
- Please be sure that you are present before your audition time - if you miss your time slot, there is not a guarantee that your audition will be able to be accommodated. There will be a warm-up room available that you may use at any point prior to your audition.
- There will be a fee payable at the time of your audition (amount TBA). Cash only.
- Each audition will have a 3-minute time limit to perform; students will play in the order which they arrive. Choose your best couple minutes of music if it is longer! Because of the short timeline, do not expect any feedback from the adjudicator – this does not mean you did poorly.
- Eligibility:
- a. Instrumental Music Student’s grades 9-11 are eligible, see section "c" below.
- b. Students must continue playing their instrument in the UCS district next year.
- c. Students must have received a 1st Division rating on their solo at the 2024 High School Solo and Ensemble Festival, and must be enrolled in a current Instrumental Music class for all of 2023-2024.
- d. Previous Gonda scholarship winners are not eligible to audition for the Gonda Scholarship.
- Piano solos are not eligible for the Gonda Scholarship.
- You may perform with or without accompaniment, however, please keep in mind that your performance will be enhanced by the use of an accompanist.
- Scholarships can be used for summer music camps, marching band camps, or private lessons.
- The recipients of the scholarships will be notified the next school day by their directors.
- Parents, friends, family members, etc. are not allowed in the audition room.
- A 2024 Gonda Scholarship Letter of Intention must be completed and submitted upon the student's arrival for the audition. Download the letter by clicking below (paper versions will also be available at the audition site):
- 2024 Louis Gonda Scholarship Letter of Intention (available in early 2024)
Students auditioning for the Gonda Scholarship represent all UCS high schools and their feeder junior highs.
Craig Ankawi Memorial Scholarship
- Established in 2011 in memory of the spirit former Stevenson Instrumental Music student Craig Ankawi had for the program. A 2009 SHS graduate, he was tragically taken from this life in June, 2010.
- Funded as partnership between the Ankawi family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
- Open to Instrumental Music students in 10th & 11th grades with a GPA of 3.0 or above
- 2024 application deadline: tba
2024 Craig Ankawi Scholarship Information
Rules & Eligibility:
- This $500 scholarship is not based on financial needs, but for the dedicated student in the Instrumental Music Program
- All applicants must have been involved in the Instrumental Music Program throughout the 2023-24 school year. The recipient must be returning to the program in 2024-25
- This scholarship is for Stevenson students that are in 10th and 11th grades in 2023-24
- Students must have at least a 3.00 GPA
- The scholarship money must be used for music educational purposes such as private lessons/band camps
- Applications and essays are judged, and the scholarship winner is chosen, by the Ankawi family
Requirements:
- Due: tba
- Write a two-page essay on the following topic:
- Include a full resume in your e-mail
- Send ALL requirements in ONE complete attachment to this e-mail address: tba
- You will receive an e-mail back from the Ankawi family letting you know that your application was received
Previous Ankawi Scholarship Winners: |
2023 |
Lina Almaflahi |
2022 |
Akaash Mondal |
2021 |
Preston Brockett |
2019 |
Justin Littleton |
2018 |
Julia Daniel |
2017 |
Veronica Pardington |
2016 |
Corbyn McKinley-Piwonski |
2015 |
Michael S. Sekich |
2014 |
Nicholas Holevar |
2013 |
Brittany Bissa |
2012 |
Jackie Kaiser |
2011 |
Rebekah Veit |
Dick 'The Voice' Copus Memorial Scholarship
- Established in 2020 to honor Mr. Dick Copus, the long-time voice of the Stevenson Marching Band and former Utica Community Schools Board member, the Copus Scholarship rewards students that are fully engaged in the Stevenson Instrumental Music Program
- Funded as partnership between an anonymous donor and the Stevenson Band Boosters
- This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th & 11th grades at Stevenson HS and Davis, Heritage, and Jeannette JHS
- The deadline for 2024 applications is tba
- Online application link: tba
2024 Dick 'The Voice' Scholarship Information
Eligibility & Requirements:
- Applicant must have participated in MSBOA District XVI Solo & Ensemble Festival (Chamber Ensemble participants welcome)
- Applicant must also have participated in at least ONE of the following MSBOA Events during the current school year:
- Marching Band Festival
- Jazz Band Festival
- Honors Band
- All-State Band
- State Solo & Ensemble
- Musical Pit Band
- Applicant must be enrolled in an Instrumental Music class for the next upcoming school year (2024-25) at SHS or the VA
- Applicant must not have previously won an Ankawi, Marinello, or Copus Scholarship
- Students cannot more than one scholarship in the same year
- Funds will be eligible to be used towards band expenses such as music camps, private lessons, music/equipment/supplies, and band trips. If a student leaves the Instrumental Music Program for any reason, including graduation, unused scholarship monies revert to the Stevenson Band Boosters
Applications:
- Due: tba
- Submit an online application at: tba
- Applicants will complete an online form, being certain to answer the short (no more than three sentences) essay questions
- Late applications will not be accepted, and duplicate submissions shall be deleted (only one submission allowed per student)
Selection:
- A committee appointed by the Band Director will review the applications to choose the winner
- In addition to the online application, the committee will consider items such as citizenship, overall GPA, and attendance along with other contributions made to the program
Previous Copus Scholarship Winners: |
2023 |
Jalen Toyee |
2022 |
Ashlynn Pennazoli |
2021 |
Sofia Kastelan |
2020 |
Hannah Baran |
Frank Marinello Memorial Scholarship
- Established in 2021 to honor the memory of Mr. Frank Marinello, a contributor and mentor to numerous Instrumental Music students, the Marinello Scholarship rewards students that share Frank's vision and passion for music and giving back to the community
- Funded as partnership between the Marinello family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
- This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at Stevenson HS
- The deadline for 2024 applications is tba
- Online essay submission link tba
Frank Marinello was a man of unconditional love. He was a kind and humble soul that touched the lives of anyone that heard his music, tasted his cooking, or had the joy of sharing a laugh with him.
Frank cherished his beloved wife and son, was faithful to God and country, loyal to family and friends, and saw value and potential in every person. His humble and patient nature made him an extraordinary teacher, and his guitar was always plugged into his heart.
The memories Frank shared with the Stevenson High School Band will never be forgotten and his love of music will live on.
2024 Frank Marinello Memorial Scholarship Information
Eligibility & Requirements:
- This $500 scholarship is open to Stevenson Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade that are involved in the SHS Music program, including students enrolled in the Virtual Academy. You must be enrolled in Band classes in 2024-25 to accept this scholarship (excluding seniors)
- Applicant MUST be currently enrolled in an Instrumental Music class
- Must not be a previous winner of a Copus, Ankawi, or Marinello scholarship
- You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships
- Scholarship will be eligible to use towards band expenses such as, private lessons, camps, music equipment etc or furthering your education classes in college
Assignment & Applications:
- Complete a short one page (3-5 paragraphs) essay answering the question: "tba"
- Due: tba
- Complete the online form here, be sure to upload your essay as a pdf or Word document: tba
- Late applications will not be accepted
Selection:
- The winner will be selected from eligible and fully completed applications by the Marinello Family
- In addition to the application, the Committee will consider citizenship along with other criteria such as those that show a passion for music, those that practices because they love to rather than it being an obligation, those that are kind and patient with others, those who are willing to help and expect nothing in return, and those that bring out the best in others.
Previous Marinello Scholarship Winners: |
2023 |
Deema Hasan |
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2022 |
Isabella Bernabei |
2021 |
Tiffany Canup |
John Philip Sousa Band Award

The Sousa Award is the pinnacle of achievement in a high school band. Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award® recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication.
The John Philip Sousa Band Award® has been presented to the following Stevenson High School students in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit and loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires: |
2023 |
Dillon Warner |
2022 |
Peyton Polzin & Dillon Warner |
2021 |
Kole Micakaj |
2020 |
Seth Pelkey |
2019 |
Veronica Pardington |
2018 |
Keyshawn Spinks |
2017 |
Michael S. Sekich |
2016 |
Paige Broadworth & Carter Jacobs |
2015 |
Stevenson Band Member |
2014 |
Stevenson Band Member |
2013 |
Maggie Stangis |
2012 |
Stevenson Band Member |
2011 |
Stevenson Band Member |
2010 |
Isaac Boehnlein |
2009 |
Jessica Pearson |
2008 |
Trevor Critchett |
2007 |
Brent Ogden |
2006 |
Matt Stelzer |
2005 |
Jeremy Hardy |
2004 |
Stevenson Band Member |
2003 |
Sakina Ali |
2002 |
Keenan Thomason |
2001 |
Diana Semma |
2000 |
Ryan Baroli |
1999 |
Aaron Pode |
1998 |
Jaime Pappert |
1997 |
Laura Dick |
1996 |
Mike Sauer |
1995 |
Rob Meier |
1994 |
Veronica Hutton |
1993 |
Chad Pickle |
1992 |
Jason Heggemeyer |
1991 |
Diana Commisso |
1990 |
Dave Visnaw |
1989 |
Joe Rice |
1988 |
Susan Commisso |
1987 |
Susan Childs |
1986 |
Edward Carr |
1985 |
Ken Cady |
1984 |
Susan Stroker |
1983 |
Judy Cole |
1982 |
Karen Ann Lach |
1981 |
Diane Shamley |
1980 |
Robert T. Stroker |
1979 |
Tom Larwa |
1978 |
Dominic Leo |
1977 |
Annette Boshaw |
1976 |
Roger Snitchler |
In Memory of Tim Huggins - 1975 |
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Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® was inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. It honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school.
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® has been presented to the following Stevenson High School students in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity: |
2023 |
Braden Cook & Jimmy Esho |
2022 |
Bradford Shelton |
2021 |
Noah Polston |
2020 |
Justin Littleton |
2019 |
Alyssa Carnes |
2018 |
Parker Jacobs |
2017 |
Christopher Marinello |
2016 |
Griffin Anspach & Nicholas Tedesco |
2015 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2014 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2013 |
Josh Fretenborough |
2012 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2011 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2010 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2009 |
Monica Yousif |
2008 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2007 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2006 |
Chad Shirk |
2005 |
Mike Tomei |
2004 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2003 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2002 |
Brad Harrison |
2001 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
2000 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1999 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1998 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1997 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1996 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1995 |
Stevenson Jazz Musician |
1994 |
Gary Franks |
1993 |
Trevor Pickle |
1992 |
Mark Wisniewski |
1991 |
Devon Rutherford |
1990 |
Brian Logsdon |
1989 |
Steve Daoust |
1988 |
Glenn Cowelchuk |
1987 |
Glen Flowers |
1986 |
Brian McDonald |
1985 |
Louis Lucido |
1984 |
Michael D. Sekich |
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Updated June 18, 2023