2022 Scholarship Winners
The Worship Grove, Christian Formation, and the Mission Grove are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Susan J. Redcay Music Scholarship and the Olga Brands Scholarship. Please join us as we celebrate these three incredible recipients on Acknowledgement Sunday, June 12th, and wish them much success as they continue on their faithful journeys of higher education.
Olga Brands Scholarship:
Olga Brands was a devoted member of the Pilgrim Family. She was passionate about education- serving 30 years as an elementary school teacher and later, as a librarian. This scholarship is offered in honor of her faithful service to God and to Pilgrim. We are proud to announce that this year's recipients are: Nathan Johnson and Maya Marino Cappello.
Nathan Johnson has been a faithful member of Pilgrim. He has volunteered his time with the Pilgrim Sunday School and has been a member of the Pilgrim Church Choir and VBS. Nathan has many honors and accomplishments. Among them are the following: PHS Choir, Drama Club, Chess Club, National Honor Society, Eagle Scout, Phillipsburg High School Soccer Team, Swim Team, and Track and Field Team. We wish Nathan much success as he attends the University of New Haven where he will be majoring in Computer Science.
Maya Marino Cappello has been a faithful member of the Pilgrim family and has delighted us all with her vocal talents. She has performed in the Pilgrim's Children's Choir, Youth Choir, and also, as a soloist during worship services. Maya has many honors and accomplishments. Among them are the following: Phillipsburg High School Drama Club, PHS Performing Arts Club, Pieces of 8 Barbershop Chorus, Believe Competition, True Dance Challenge, and she has sung the National Anthem and "God Bless America" for Veteran's Day events, and PHS Basketball Games, Wrestling Matches, and Football Games. We wish Maya much success as she attends DeSales University where she will be majoring in Musical Theatre.
Susan J. Redcay Music Scholarship:
This annual scholarship, established in honor of Sue Redcay's retirement from service as Pilgrim's Organist/Music Director, is open to any Phillipsburg High School senior who will be majoring in music or musical theater at an accredited 4 year conservatory, college or university. Contributions to this ongoing scholarship fund may be made payable to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Attention: Susan J. Redcay Music Scholarship. We are proud to announce that this year's $1000 scholarship has been awarded to Maya Marino Cappello. Sue Redcay also awarded a $500 Scholarship to Jacob Gumulak.
Maya Marino Cappello has been a faithful member of Pilgrim Presbyterian Church and her accomplishments are listed above. I was very impressed with the confidence that she exudes in herself and in her talent as she wrote on her application: "My career goal is to star on Broadway. Theatre is my outlet and a way of expressing myself through the character of someone else. I want to connect with the audience and give them a character to relate to as well. They come to watch theatre to feel connected to humanity and I want to leave an impact." Beautifully stated, Maya, and with your confidence, talent, and "blessings from God" , you will definitely leave an impact in the world of theatre.
Jacob Gumulak plays the alto/soprano saxophone for the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, the Concert Band, the PHS Marching Band, as well as performing in the Pit Orchestra for PHS and The Charles Seller Foundation. He also played the National Anthem and "God Bless America" at several sporting and Veteran's Day events. We wish Jacob much success as he attends Moravian University where he will be majoring in Music Education.
Thank you to the Scholarship Committee which consists of the following: Chairperson Pam Geisinger, Sonia Ayers, Lisa Corbett, Diane Amey, Debbie Lunn, Sue Redcay, and Barb Wyker for their dedication in awarding the scholarships to these three inspiring young people whom we believe will have bright futures ahead. Thank you to Sue Redcay, Joyce Rosswaag, and Linda Pettinelli for judging the performances for the Susan J. Redcay Music Scholarship.