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 will receive full or partial tuition assistance for arts instruction at the SCAA through this scholarship. SCAA is a division of Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University with classes held in downtown Winchester and on the main campus. The SCAA provides community enrichment opportunities and pre-professional studies in the performing arts for students of all ages and abilities. The faculty of more than 30 professionally trained musicians, dancers, and educators share their expertise with budding performers and the next generation of arts patrons.
To be eligible for these scholarships, students must attend Winchester Public Schools and have a financial constraint that would otherwise not allow them to receive extracurricular arts instruction. The intent of this award is to offer students the chance to experience the sense of belonging, excitement, and learning found in the arts. Vivian found self-expression in the arts and her family wanted to offer this opportunity so that other children may feel the same.
“Vivian’s spirit and memory remain alive through the scholarship award in her name at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy,” said Vivian’s father, Brian Sansoni. “We are so proud to see many young people learn, grow, and enhance their creative talents and abilities, which in turn can inspire those around them for years to come.”
Each year, the SCAA seeks scholarship recommendations from teachers, community members, church leaders and youth mentors within the City of Winchester. 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:
- Mariana Alvarez Caranton, Kindergarten – Crescendo Chorus
- Bella V. Argueta Ramirez, Grade 3 – Violin
- Narwan Behrangi, Grade 4 – Jazz Dance
- Janiya Burks, Grade 12 – Musical Theatre Dance
- Emmalin Funes, Grade 2 – Piano
- Janice Sandoval Mauricio, Grade 7 – Ballet
- Itzayana Villatoro-Nolasco, Grade 7– Flute
- Glennes M. Ware, Grade 12 – Voice
- Emma Whitacre, Grade 7 – Top of Virginia Youth Chorale
- Destinee Williams, Grade 5 – Hip Hop
The scholarships can go to students who have an interest in dance, orchestra, choir, theatre, or instrumental/ vocal private music lessons. A complete listing of offerings can be found on the SCAA website at www.scartsacademy.org.
The next round of applications will open in early 2025. Information on the application process and how to apply can be found at: https://scartsacademy.org/community/vivian-christy-sansoni-award.
Anyone wishing to support the mission of the Vivian Sansoni fund may give at: https://advancement.su.edu/vivian-christy-sansoni-scholarship.
