The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock announced that the 2019 Edward Miller Memorial Music Scholarships have been awarded to two highly accomplished Nassau County high school seniors: Danny Neri and Kristin Ventricelli. The students were honored at a special worship service at UUCSR in Manhasset on Sunday, June 2. They each received an unrestricted award of $2,500.
Danny Neri is from Lynbrook High School. He is a trombonist, vocalist, and violinist who has participated in All-County musical events since grade five. He most recently led the trombone section in the 2018-19 All-County Jazz Ensemble. Last year, Danny played lead trombone in NYSSMA’s All-State Festival in Rochester where he was judged A+ in both jazz and classical departments. Danny will continue his studies at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Pottsdam in the fall.
Kristin Ventricelli, from Plainedge High School, sings soprano, plays piano, and acts. She received A+ NYSSMA ratings for the last four years and has participated in the All-County Festival in mixed and women’s choir for several years. At Plainedge, Kristin sings in the concert choir and the A Cappella Jazz Choir, in addition to singing and non-singing roles at Plainedge and the non-profit Second Stage Theatre in Manhattan. She will be studying music education at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. in the fall.
The Edward Miller Memorial Music Scholarship was founded by the Music Committee of UUCSR in September 2004 to honor the memory of Edward Miller, music director of UUCSR. He was also a former teacher at East Rockaway High School. The scholarship is funded by members of the congregation as part of its philanthropic mission. Winners are chosen by the Nassau Music Educators Association.
More information on the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, scholarship guidelines, applications and driving directions is available at www.uucsr.org.
