MOSCOW, Idaho — Four participants at this year’s Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival will receive scholarships to the University of Idaho from the Avista Foundation for their outstanding performances.
Asiah Keenan, a Sandpoint High School senior, won the voice category and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Runner-up Sarah Stevenson, a junior at Wellington Secondary School of Nanaimo, British Columbia, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Thea Guitard, a junior at Wellington Secondary School, won the Instrumental Division with her trombone performance and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Elijah Geddes, a junior at Wellington Secondary School was the runner-up with a flute performance, earning a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarships may be used to pursue any U of I major.
“We were excited to see so many participants both online and in person this year,” said Vanessa Sielert, director of the Lionel Hampton School of Music, which hosts the annual event. “We hope to see them all return next year and are excited to offer Avista scholarships to these four students.”
Since 2017, Avista Foundation scholarships have been awarded annually at U of I to the festival’s top high school vocal and instrumental soloists.
“Avista is pleased to honor these accomplished students and support the University of Idaho’s iconic jazz festival,” said Paul Kimmell, regional business manager at Avista. “We hope this helps these students continue to pursue their dreams.”
This year’s festival, which took place Feb. 23-26, included artist and educational workshops, performances and concerts, including live performances by jazz stars and archival footage of past greats, including Lionel Hampton himself.
Additional winners and their awards are listed on the Lionel Hampton Jazz festival website.
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Media Contacts
Vanessa Sielert
Director, Lionel Hampton School of Music
University of Idaho
208-885-6231
Ralph Bartholdt
Communications Manager
University of Idaho Communication and Marketing
208-885-1239
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to nearly 11,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu
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