For the first time in 10 years, a CFISD student has been chosen by the Texas Music Educators Association Executive Board (TMEA) to receive a scholarship for their outstanding work in music. Senior Leah Grisby, the recipient of this scholarship that is worth $12,500. Only one student from each district in Texas is chosen to accept this offer of excellence in the music department each year. That’s 1 out of 290 people.
“Honestly, it just feels surreal [accepting the offer]. It feels like all of the hard work I’ve put in the past like three years is finally paying off, and I really owe it to my directors and teachers who have poured into me this whole time,” Grigsby said.
She excels in every competition she enters and takes every opportunity as a learning experience to be better. Grigsby jumps at every competition: solo and ensemble, All-State, Madrigal Festival, and many more to be a finer singer. Music has always been an influence on Grigsby, so the many role models and supporting figures have had a lasting effect on her.
“My parents have always supported me, even whenever I felt like I wasn’t good enough, they would always remind me that I’m enough. And they have been the ones rushing me to rehearsals at the last minute, and just being there in the tough times and celebrating with me in the good times,” Grigsby said.
With her parents’ support, and the determined drive Grigsby has, she took the chance to apply for TMEA’s scholarship. She got letters of recommendation from the choir directors, her piano teacher, and her voice teacher. Grigsby was also required to write an essay, which she dedicated to her choir director, Christopher Fiorini. This and her academic record spoke volumes to the Board of TMEA, making her application stand out from the many in CFISD.
“TMEA has been committed to excellence in music education since its inception in 1920, and we are proud to look to the future when Leah will join our members in the ranks of those educators who inspire our leaders of tomorrow… All of Leah’s music and classroom teachers should be commended for the vital role they have played in her development,” Executive Director of TMEA Joe Muñoz said.
