Fanning a spark into a flamef by Remington

Fanning a spark into a flamef by Remington - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

At the beginning of every passion, there is a spark of interest. When I was little, I frequently traveled to my brother's performances in both music and theater. In one of his plays, I can still vividly remember when he walked through the crowd, singing and strumming on his lute. On that day, he produced the spark that put me on my path toward a career in music and theater education. In my life, my brother has provided a safe environment in which to learn about and pursue my interests. In my future career, I want to extend the same opportunity for students to express their creativity freely and collaborate in an open environment.
      In high school, I was given multiple leadership opportunities in music and theater to build my skills. As the drum major, I was entrusted with the band, and I took charge of teaching band camp. After learning how to march at Smith Walbridge, I returned to school and taught the band how to march appropriately. Later that year, we marched together in Memphis down Beale Street. Everything I had poured into our band that year culminated in that moment, and it was worth it. My leadership didn't stop there, however. My drama coach also trusted my leadership and creative skills, allowing me opportunities like performing an improvised scene onstage during my senior fall play. Lastly, I am most grateful for my choir director. She had so much confidence in my abilities that she would take time before and after school to help me improve my voice and musical prowess. These influential leaders provided the perfect environment to hone my creative skills and build my love for music, fanning my spark into a burning flame.
      High school was not where my journey started. Even before I was in school, my brother helped me explore music, from trying to teach me how to read sheet music on a plastic guitar to letting me pluck the strings on his double bass. Later, in middle school, my music journey took off. I picked up my first concert band instrument and started singing regularly in the choir. One day, after choir, I asked the director to stay and help me with a part. When I left, my director remarked, "Rem, when I retire, keep doing this stuff." (He wasn't a very philosophical man.) This was the first time I realized the impression I was making on the people around me. Then, I transitioned to high school, finally starting my theater career. I accumulated many musical accolades during this time, including being the drum major for three years, bass section leader for two years, and making the All-State Choir my senior year. I also received the National School Choral Award and John Philip Sousa Band Award in my senior year, acknowledging my exceptional influence in choir and band.
      Additionally, in theater, I was granted the lead role in three different productions and supporting roles in two others. In my community, my musical talents became evident. I was offered the position of music intern at my local church, where I grew my skills in my sixth instrument, the guitar, and directed worship services on Sunday mornings. I am grateful to my community for encouraging me in the pursuit of my abilities and giving me the environment for me to build my spark.
      I've achieved many musical accolades because I've had an environment where I could thrive and grow my spark. To express themselves fully, students need a safe community where they can be themselves and have the resources required to model their vision to the world. With this scholarship, I will pursue my studies freely, without the stress of debt, and work to create the brightest spark in my future students. My goal as an educator is to ignite the spark for students, as my brother did for me. With the support of scholarships such as this and the Golden Apple organization, I am confident I can achieve this goal. Just as my past influences were for me, I am determined to be a teacher responsible for helping students grow a burning flame for the arts and become strong leaders in their community.