Grace Johns has been involved in music since she was very young. The freshman from Onalaska, Wisconsin, was first introduced to music in her church. She enjoyed singing as a part of the congregation. “I really started liking music in 6th grade when I joined the show choir at school. I have been in a choir ever since,” Johns stated. She was also involved in musical theater in high school and used to play the piano and violin.
As she was trying to figure out where she would go to college, Johns knew she wanted to major in music therapy. The daughter of one of her mother’s friends had gone to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and received a degree in music therapy and recommended SMWC to Johns.
Johns wants to use music to help families in times of need and grief. “I like the idea of giving life through music,” she said. She wants to work in hospice care or a hospital setting to be there for family members and patients.
She was looking at attending a school closer to her home, but when she learned about the Musician of Promise Scholarship, she figured applying would not hurt. The scholarship awards up to the full tuition cost to one recipient each year. “I applied for the scholarship, sent in my recordings and videos, and completed the process online. Music is such a prominent figure in my life, and the words just came naturally when I wrote the essay.”
She was thrilled when she got the call from Sharon Boyle, associate professor of music therapy and department chair. Once she received the good news, her mind was made up to come to The Woods. “I am very honored to receive this scholarship, and it helped me so much to be able to come here.”
“We are so excited that Grace found the SMWC Music Therapy program through connecting with an alum from the program. She is an excellent singer and student with wonderful potential. She will continue to grow and develop so much through the many opportunities she will have as a student at the Woods,” said Boyle.
Johns would encourage candidates to apply for the scholarship. “If someone is applying for this scholarship, the first step is to be confident in yourself. Believe that you are deserving of the scholarship.”
Applications for the Musician of Promise Scholarship for the academic year 2023-24 are now being accepted. For more information, email admissions@smwc.edu.