The Caitlin Merie Hurrey Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established as part of the Fund for the Advancement of Music Education (FAME) of The National Association for Music Education (MENC). Caitlin Merie Hurrey is the daughter of MENC Deputy Executive Director Earl Hurrey. Caitlin Hurrey was nine years old and in the fourth grade at Huntingtown Elementary School in Huntingtown, Maryland when she died. She loved to play in the band, sing in the chorus, and wanted to be a teacher when she grew up.
The Caitlin Scholarship Fund provides four scholarships each year.
- Scholarship #1: Awarded to a high school senior who is planning to attend an accredited college or university and has a personal connection to Huntingtown Elementary School (parent, student, family member, etc.). The 2008 recipient is John Wahl, son of John and Patti Wahl, of Huntingtown, Maryland. An alumnus of Huntingtown Elementary, John graduated from Huntingtown High School in May of this year with a cumulative grade point average of 99.04%. John has been involved in many different aspects of theatre, involving lighting design, sound operation and other behind the scenes work and on stage performances. John will attend the University of Maryland in the fall. Deadline for submissions is May 31. Download the application form
- Scholarship #2: Awarded to a son or daughter of an MENC member who is planning to attend an accredited college or university. The 2008 is Sarah Ellis, the daughter of Barry and Terri Ellis, of Platteville, WI. Her father and mother are both members of MENC. Sarah is an accomplished musician and performer, as the principal clarinet for the Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra, winning awards for her vocal jazz and chorus participation, and performing in many high school musical productions. Sarah plans to study music theatre at Pennsylvania State University. Deadline for submissions is May 31. Download the application form
- Scholarship #3: Awarded to one MENC collegiate senior for professional development. The 2009 award is presented in memory of Shannon Kane. To learn more about Shannon and her accomplishments as a four-year Collegiate member and graduate student in music education, read the news story. Submissions are processed through CMENC chapter advisor; deadline is February 28. Download the application form
- Scholarship #4: Awarded to a high school senior or college student who is the son or daughter of an active-duty member of one of the U.S. Military musical ensembles. The 2008 recipient is Joshua Paul Murtha. Joshua’s father is a member with United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Joshua has been a member of his high school Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble. Joshua is currently attending University of North Texas as a jazz studies major. Deadline for submissions is May 31. Download the application form
For more information on the scholarships, please contact Susan Lambert at susanl@menc.org.
To make a donation, make checks payable to the "Caitlin Merie Hurrey Fund" and mail to MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191.