Syracuse University Graduating Senior Receives Inaugural Award
RESTON, VA (July 12, 2010) – Paul Wesley Roy was awarded the first Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship on May 13. The Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship was created by Shannon’s family and friends in coordination with MENC: The National Association for Music Education to honor her exemplary life and her love of teaching music.
Originally from Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, Shannon earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with performance honors from Syracuse University. She student taught at Westhill High School, where she conducted the wind ensemble and assisted with the percussion ensemble, brass ensemble, and jazz ensemble; and at Soule Road Middle School, where she conducted the seventh and eighth grade concert and jazz bands. Shannon was working on her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at the University of Florida from August 2008 until her death in February 2009. Shannon is remembered by friends and family for her passion for music, the way she taught her students with kindness and respect, and for her positive outlook on life.
Paul Wesley Roy of Roundlake, New York recently received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with Performance Honors from Syracuse University, Setnor School of Music. Wesley participated in numerous ensembles, was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and was selected to be the student commencement speaker for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Wesley’s future plans include teaching music and conducting choirs at the high school level, and attending graduate school to study Music Education and Choral Conducting.
Two other Syracuse students were recognized by the Kane family for their outstanding achievements and commitment to music education. Megan Elizabeth Kirsch of Liverpool, New York and Alison Marie Soccio of Stanhope, New Jersey each received an award. Both are recent graduates of Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. Alison received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education with Performance Honors (Flute). Megan received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education; she plans to attend graduate school at Syracuse University.
“We could think of no better way to honor Shannon than to establish a fund that will provide scholarships to students that are doing what she loved most—teaching music,” said Shannon’s parents, Leigh and Mike Kane. “Shannon loved Syracuse University and the years she spent there we will cherish forever. Like Shannon, Paul Wesley Roy effectively immersed himself in his music, studies and the Syracuse community, and we wish him much success in his future endeavors. We would also like to recognize and congratulate Megan Elizabeth Kirsh and Alison Marie Soccio for their extraordinary commitment to music education.”
Visit the Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship Fund page for more information or to make a donation. For more information about MENC, call 1-800-336-3768, or visit menc.org.
For today’s students to succeed tomorrow, they need a comprehensive education that includes music taught by exemplary music educators.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. MENC’s mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located at the National Center for Music Education in Reston, VA.
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