Southern Delaware Chorale awards music education scholarships
Southern Delaware Chorale recently announced the recipients of its Lee Mitchell Scholarship for 2025.
Billy Yannuzzi, a senior at Indian River High School, has been deeply involved in the music program since his freshman year, participating in musicals, choir, a cappella and state-level ensembles. He’s currently expanding his talents by learning trombone and alto saxophone. A self-proclaimed theater kid, Billy plans to pursue a degree in acting performance and music education to both perform and teach.
Cheyenne Timmons, a Sussex Tech senior, began singing as a child and found her stride in high school choir and her church’s praise team. She also writes original songs on guitar and piano, and enjoys journaling and spending time with family. Cheyenne plans to become a pediatric nurse, continuing to share her compassion and creativity in a different kind of service.
Madison Morgan, also an Indian River senior, has been a core member of the a cappella choir, and active in county and all-state choirs as well as the school drama club. A Tri-M Music Honor Society member, she also serves as head costumer for the drama department and spins flags with the marching band. Madison will pursue degrees in music and theater education after graduation.
John Olakowski, a senior at Sussex Tech, discovered his love for music through musical theater, which led him to join the choir. When he’s not singing, he’s marching bass drum with the band. As Delaware’s state champion in industrial motor control, he represented the First State at the SkillsUSA nationals, where he scored among the top 15. He will attend the U.S. Naval Academy to study electrical engineering and aims to serve in the military — and one day, in Congress.
Along with funding for each student to receive private lessons to further their vocal skills, recipients enjoy the opportunity to perform as a member of the chorale during weekly rehearsals and concert performances, employing the skills learned through lessons the scholarship provides. For at least one performance, each scholar will perform a solo.
Designed to encourage high school singers to participate in community choral singing, the scholarship was established through an endowment given by the family of pianist and composer Lee Mitchell. He was commissioned by the chorale to compose a piece titled, “Delaware: A Secular Oratorio,” which premiered in April 1996.
For more information, go to southerndelawarechorale.org.
