2026 Scholarship Recipients
Samantha Warnke
Recipient: Samantha Warnke
High School: Box Elder High School, Brigham City, Utah
University: Utah State University
Playing the piano has always brought great joy to my life and has shaped who I am. I have learned how to be consistent and keep going even when progress is not immediately evident. I have felt the impact of incredible teachers and inspiring mentors who have supported and encouraged me. The people I have met through music and teaching piano have added so much richness to my life.
I was honored to represent Box Elder High School as the Instrumental Sterling Scholar for 2026. This fall, I will attend USU, where I will continue to pursue piano. I am grateful and excited for the opportunity of the Alana Cope Eaton Piano Scholarship to continue learning, growing, and uplifting people through music. Thank you!
Thank you for all that you do, and once again for this opportunity!
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our press release announcing Samantha’s selection.
Lincoln Schurig
Recipient: Lincoln Schurig
High School: Woods Cross High School in Woods Cross, UT
University: Brigham Young University
Lincoln Schurig graduated high school with the class of 2026. His favorite subjects were chemistry, calculus and music. He is a classically trained pianist but loves all types of music. Throughout the year, he has participated in five bands, five choirs and five orchestras in both school and the community. Lincoln is always happy to share his music as a soloist or as an accompanist. In the past year, he has performed in many honors recitals and piano competitions. After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Honolulu, Hawaii, he looks forward to studying at BYU Provo.
“I cannot express how grateful I am for this scholarship. This scholarship will help enable me to uplift others and I promise to help bring on Betsy's legacy as a wonderful parent, teacher, and performer.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Lincoln’s selection.
Brighten Goold
Recipient: Morgan Nielson
High School: Springville High School, in Springville, Utah
University: Brigham Young University
“As a toddler, I remember sitting on my Mom's lap, putting my hands on top of hers and loving that time as "we" played the piano and sang together. I began taking piano lessons at age 5 and over the years have found increased happiness and satisfaction from the opportunities that have opened up with the development of this talent and ability. As I play the piano, I am grateful for the thoughts and feelings that flow into my heart and mind. I find great fulfillment as I accompany choir, play the organ in church or teach piano lessons and help take part in others musical growth and development. I'm excited about the many musical opportunities and experiences that are yet to come!”
“I am so excited, grateful and completely honored to have been chosen to receive your scholarship! Thank you for allowing this wonderful gift to happen! I feel privileged to be the recipient of this huge gift and blessing and also to have learned about Carolyn Ogden's exemplary life and musical legacy. What a remarkably talented, fun and generous woman! I feel like her and your family's influence and generosity has and will significantly impact my life as I attend BYU this fall and then as I serve a mission in the beginning of 2027.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Morgan’s selection.
Amy Ellis
Recipient: Amy Ellis
High School: Delta High School, Delta, Utah
University: Utah State University
Amy Ellis is a proud Delta High Rabbit and Delta LDS Seminary graduate. She has achieved both musical and academic excellence. Music is her greatest love in life. She had a late start to the world of vocal music and worked hard to catch up. She has performed as a soloist and in ensembles throughout the state of Utah and earned high ratings at Solo & Ensemble festivals. She has taught music lessons both privately and in music classrooms at the local elementary school. She also has a great love for songwriting and self-accompanying on guitar and piano.
Amy is experienced in other performing arts. She has a passion for musical theater, performing in and directing plays and musicals, and dance, which she teaches. Her greatest joy, though, is in service, especially when it includes music or mental health advocacy. Amy is excited to attend Utah State University to pursue a degree in Music Therapy and become involved in Aggie musical theater.
“I am so thankful to Claudia Bigler, her family, and the Utah Music Foundation for this great award and opportunity. This scholarship will help me to prioritize my schoolwork, music, and social life over working and worrying about money. I am so glad to demonstrate my love for vocal music and carry that legacy onwards. I hope to touch lives in a different but just as impactful way as Claudia Bigler did as an educator, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and communities of Northern Utah, where she has spent her life helping people. Thank you so much for this scholarship!”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Amy’s selection.
Ashley Grigg
Recipient: Ashley Grigg
High School: Sky View High School, Smithfield, Utah
University: University of Utah
“My name is Ashley Grigg and I'm from Smithfield, Utah. I have been playing the cello for 10 years and I love it! I began taking lessons when I was 9 years old through a local program. During my junior year, I became an assistant for that same beginning orchestra, and have been working with young musicians ever since. Being part of their learning experiences and watching the growth and determination they show as they learn to play is incredible. This fall, I plan to study Music Education at the University of Utah. I am very grateful to Conrad Dunn for providing this opportunity and supporting me in my education!”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Ashley’s selection.
Dee Pace Theater Scholarship Recipient
Avery Kirksey
Recipient: Avery Kirksey
High School: Layton High School, Layton, Utah
University: University of Utah
“I would like to express my gratitude for selecting me to receive the Dee Pace Musical Theater Scholarship. This generous support is not only a tremendous help in continuing my education, but it also holds deep personal meaning for me, especially knowing that the scholarship honors the legacy of a theater teacher, Mr. Dee Pace.”
“As an aspiring theater educator, I feel a strong connection to the namesake of this award. To walk a path once taken by someone who dedicated their life to teaching through the arts is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds me that education and creativity can have a lasting impact, and it motivates me to carry that spirit forward in my own career.”
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Avery’s selection.
Brad Sweeney
Recipient: Lucy Hunter
High School: North Summit High School in Coalville, Utah
University: Snow College
“My name is Lucy Hunter, and I come from a musical family. Growing up, I spent much of my childhood surrounded by rehearsals, concerts, festivals, musicals, and ballets. I eventually followed in my father’s footsteps and have been playing the trombone ever since. Throughout high school, I performed in several auditioned groups, including All-State, and received superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble; however, my favorite experience was playing in my school’s jazz band. This fall, I will attend Snow College and am honored to receive the Steve Shirts Band Scholarship as I continue my educational and musical journey.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Lucy’s selection.