The Sedalia Symphony Society has awarded the Harold J. Johnston Memorial Scholarships for 2021 to Madeline Allen and Breanna Derritt. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Allen will graduate from Smith-Cotton High School in May and plans to continue her education at the Missouri University of Science and Technology majoring in Computer Science or Environmental Engineering. She is a member of the S-C orchestra program and was selected for the All-District Orchestra. She has played violin for six years and has played in the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra for three years. In addition to her music, she has been involved in hours of community service through National Honor Society volunteering at Community Café, has been a part of Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Medical Explorers, and has stayed active in S-C’s Health Occupations Student Association and Math Team. Allen is the daughter of Romaine and Chad Allen.
Derritt will graduate from Warrensburg High School in May and plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to pursue a double major in Mathematics and Music. She also plans to become a member of Marching Mizzou. Derritt is drum major for the WHS marching band and a principal player in Symphonic and Honors Jazz Bands. As a saxophonist, Derritt was selected to fill the first chair in both the West Central Missouri Music Educators Honor Band and District Jazz Band. She will be graduating at the top of her class, is involved in many extracurricular activities, participates in music leadership in her local faith community and works part-time. Derritt is the daughter of Wanzetta Derritt and Harold Hale.
The Symphony Society also presented a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Edith Donath. It is underwritten through the generosity of anonymous donors in memory of long-time orchestra member, Edith Donath, who passed away in December 2020.
This honor will be awarded to Kylie Neal, who will graduate from Smith-Cotton High School in May. She plans to continue her education at the University of Central Missouri pursuing a degree in Secondary Math Education with a minor in Music. She has held the first chair cello position in each orchestra and symphony class of which she has been a member and was invited to join the Symphony’s cello section as a freshman. Neal is active in all aspects of student life from being class president for the last four years, National Honor Society historian. Math Team board member, and participating in symphonic orchestra for four years. She has given innumerable hours of community service through her church and the Community Café. Neal is the daughter of Byron and April Neal.
