The Lakewood Area Choral Society Scholarship is available to any Lakewood High School senior, a senior who has participated in a combined LACS concert, or a senior from an adjoining school district who is sponsored by an active choral society member.  The scholarship chair’s name, Jill Van Zyl, may be used if an active choral society member is not known.  The applicant upon graduation will pursue a major in vocal music education or voice at a four year, accredited institution.

Applicant(s) will be judged on the following criteria:  academic achievement, attendance, achievement and ability in vocal music, involvement in music related extra-curricular activities (school, community, church, etc.), financial need, personal interview, and 2 letters of recommendation, (one letter must be from your choral conductor). A monetary amount up to $1000.00 may be awarded.

Applications can be submitted electronically or printed and mailed by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 for consideration.  Applicants will be contacted by a Scholarship Committee Member.

Alyssa Spurgeon, a graduate of Thornapple Kellogg High School, is our Lakewood Area Choral Society winner for 2025.  Alyssa studied under the direction of Mrs. Laura Opera and plans on attending Hope College in Holland, Michigan, majoring in Music Education.  Alyssa has been successful in all areas of her studies.  She has been actively involved in choir,  musical theatre, and band, where she held the honor of drum major.  This past year, she had the lead as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, participated in musical theatre solo and ensemble, and earned an almost perfect score of 29/30!  She also auditioned for and made the Regional Honors Choir at Western Michigan University.  Outside of her many music activities, she was part of the National Honor Society, did swim and dive in 9th and 10th grade, was the president and founder of their Fiber Arts Club at the high school, and a member of the Science Olympiad.  Alyssa did all these while sustaining a very impressive 4.08 GPA and working part-time at Culver’s Restaurant!

Alyssa’s recommendations were outstanding!  Her choir director stated that she is a natural and positive leader in the classroom, always responsible, kind and very dedicated.   Her science teacher gave her praise.  He also shares that she has a wonderful work ethic and is not one to shy away from a challenge.

Bringing music to her community is important to Alyssa.  She hopes to share her musical skills with her future students so they may enjoy music for the rest of their lives and instill in them to be kind and respectful to others.   We do not doubt that this is exactly what she will be doing!