In 2015, the family of Vivian Christy Sansoni created a scholarship to the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA) in her memory. Vivian was a youth actress, singer, dancer, and musician, and the arts provided a wonderful outlet for her creativity to thrive.
The award created in her name provides assistance to young performers when financial need prohibits exploration of their talent and creativity. Those selected are receiving free arts instruction through the scholarship.
To be eligible for these scholarships, students must reside within Winchester city limits and have a financial constraint that would not otherwise allow them to be a student at the SCAA. The intent of this award is to offer a student the chance to experience the sense of belonging, excitement, and learning that the arts can offer. Vivian found self-expression in the arts and her family wants to offer this opportunity to others.
“The creative spirits and talents that are unleashed every year through this program are living testaments to how Vivian thrived at Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy,” said Vivian’s father, Brian Sansoni. “Every year, the Vivian Christy Sansoni Award provides wonderful opportunities to deserving young people who get a chance to explore and expand their innate gifts in music and the performing arts.”
Each year, the SCAA seeks scholarship nominations from teachers, community members, church leaders and youth mentors within the city of Winchester. All are welcome to nominate a young person for the award. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also requires one to nurture the creative spirit of a community’s youngest members.
Students who have received funds this year are:
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- Ryder Miller, age 9 – Dance
- Jaylynn Smith, age 11 – Trombone
- Naleya Roberts, age 9 – Voice/Choir
- Alekzander Rogers, age 14 – Clarinet
- Itzayana Villatoro-Nolasco, age 13 – Flute
- Rosalia Rios Patricio, age 13 – Clarinet
- Justin Velasquez-Zavala, age 10 – Clarinet
- Kevin Galvez-Mendoza, age 17 – Trumpet
The SCAA accepts nominations throughout the year. The scholarships can go to students who have an interest in dance, orchestra, choir, and individual lessons in voice and a variety of instruments. A complete listing of offerings can be found on the SCAA website at scartsacademy.org.
Anyone wishing to support the mission of the Vivian Sansoni fund may give at https://advancement.su.edu/vivian-christy-sansoni-scholarship.
