Scholarships & Community Service Awards

Ridge Music Teachers Association Scholarships:  

  • Mary Ellis Smith Scholarship (Levels 10-12)
  • Judith Ann Wagy Scholarship (Levels 7-9)

For many years Mary Ellis Smith taught private piano in Lakeland.  She was part of a group of local musicians who helped start the Tuesday Music Club which later became part of the National Federation of Music Clubs.  Through this organization teachers have students evaluated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival each February.

Ridge Music Teachers Association came into being when this same group of piano teachers affiliated with the state organization, Florida State Music Teachers Association. Through this organization our students participate in district Student Day evaluations and have the opportunity to earn scholarships.

Established in 2006 these scholarships are given to recognize musical excellence in individual achievement in performance and theory in the upper levels 7-9 and 10-12.

  • Mary Ellis Smith Scholarship Recipients:   
    • 2023 Winners
      • Abraham Medina, student of Marie Hasse
      • Landon Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
    • 2022 Winners
      • Abraham Medina, student of Marie Hasse
      • Jacob Gmitter, student of Sheron White
    • 2021 Winners
      • Liam Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
      • Jacob Gmitter, student of Sheron White
    • 2020 Winner
      • Liam Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
      • Jacob Gmitter, student of Sheron White
    • 2019 Winner
      • Liam Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
      • Manning Chen, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2018 Winners
      • Moriah Quint, student of Christy Fung
      • Manning Chen, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2017 Winner
      • Melody Eckert, student of Jane Spencer
    • 2016 Winner
      • Melody Eckert, student of Jane Spencer
    • 2015 Winners
      • Vaviel Verner, student of Lorraine Latham
      • Kara Stacy, student of Lorraine Latham
    • 2014 Winner
      • Kara Stacy, student of Lorraine Latham
    • 2013 Winner
      • Shay Carter, student of Evonne Blackwelder
  • Judith Ann Wagy Scholarship Recipients: 
    • 2023 Winners – tie for 1st place!
      • Autumn Kent, student of Jane Spencer
      • Darcy Dale, student of Lisa Dutkiewicz
    • 2022 Winners
      • Landon Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
      • Lily Bradshaw, student of Jane Spencer
    • 2021 Winners
      • Abraham Medina, student of Marie Hasse
      • Landon Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
    • 2020 Winners
      • Abraham Medina, student of Marie Hasse
      • Zilong Liddle, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2019 Winners
      • Zilong Liddle, student of Marie Hasse
      • Abraham Medina, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2018 Winners
      • Liam Moraczewski, student of Jonathan Reed
      • Jacob Gmitter, student of Sheron White
    • 2017 Winner
      • Manning Chen, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2016 Winner
      • Julianna Guzzetta, student of Virginia James
    • 2015 Winner
      • Manning Chen, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2014 Winner
      • Manchen Chen, student of Marie Hasse
    • 2013 Winner
      • Peter Yao, student of Jane Spencer

FSMTA Community Service Awards: 

  • Local Presidents Community Service Award for Freshman
    • Winners receive a certificate, plaque, and a $250 check.
  • LeRoy Greenspan Memorial Community Service Award for Seniors
    • Winners receive a certificate, plaque, and a $500 check.

For More Info:  www.fmta.org