"Since being awarded the Dave Prater scholarship in 2021, I’ve been able to complete a semester at Belmont University. Freshmen classes at Belmont allowed me to pick classes that were music based which included Critical Listening; First Year English; First Year Seminar: Ancient Greek; Intro to Music History; Music Business; and Survey of Audio Engineering Tech. The Music Business class was my favorite because I was able to meet several well-known musicians who came as guest speakers/teachers. A couple of the more famous included the lead singer from Little Texas, Dewayne O’Brien, and Rhett Akins. Belmont offers a platform to promote student artists and I was selected to be included on the Songs of Fall 2021 promotion with my song, South Georgia Day. My album that was released in 2020, Drifter’s Dreams, was released through Distro Kid and through their tracking system, I have been able to see that my music has been downloaded in 17 countries outside of the United States. I feel that being included in Songs of Fall 2021 at Belmont helped make this possible.

I’m currently home, working at Paulk Vineyards in addition to performing at local events to earn more money for college. I am exploring the Music Business program at Valdosta State. While VSU doesn’t offer the exciting things that Belmont offers, it is much more affordable and closer to home. I’m thankful for the Dave Prater scholarship that helped me spend time at Belmont University, my dream college."

"Since I graduated from Irwin County High in 2017, I’ve been taking courses at Valdosta State University to become a music major and and performing arts major get my bachelors degree in the field to become a Concert/Marching band Director, or chorus Director and have marched with the Valdosta State Blazing Brigade Marching Band. During this time I’ve been taking up jobs to support myself financially at TexTrail in Fitgerald, GA and Target Distribution Center in Tifton, GA. I joined an Organization called Media Arts Geniuses where people in media, performing arts, and other training hosts and hostesses. The Dave Prater scholarship has helped me in great ways since I received it. Combined with my financial aid and the scholarship assistance I’ve been able to receive my school books with breaking a sweat. I’m even more grateful to be one of the first to receive the scholarship along with my high school band mates, Alex Hutcherson and Serena Borders. Also the people supporting me along the way: Renata Chaney (Mother) Carlos Chaney (Step-Father), Terrance Mack (Father), Annette Moore (Grandmother), George Moore (Grandfather), Ann Mack (Grandmother), and my three high school band directors: Mr. Eric Fancher, Mr. Jacob Fortner, and Mr. Bill Belcher"