VCS Scholarship

Since 2010, the Virginia Choral Society (VCS) has awarded one or more scholarships to graduating high school seniors for study in vocal music, musical theater, and vocal music education at University or Conservatory programs.

As much as we are committed to presenting high quality programs to our communities, VCS is equally committed to promoting the choral arts by assisting students in their study of vocal music.

Eligible applicants for the 2026 scholarships will be undergraduates attending a University or Conservatory for the school year 2026-2027 with their major studies in one of the above fields. Applicants must be currently studying in Virginia Educational District 2.

Scholarship Application

Application

Step One: Apply

The deadline to submit applications for 2026 scholarship awards is midnight, Wednesday, March 18th.

VCS has 2 scholarships available in 2026 for $2,500.00 each.

Submit no later than midnight on March 18, 2026. Please contact Nancy McLaulin at (757) 288-6034 (call or text) if you are experiencing any technical difficulties with your email submission. All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt.

Step Two: Review

Applications will be reviewed and winners chosen by the VCS Scholarship Committee. All applicants will be notified of the results.

Step Three: Award

Winners will perform at one or both of the VCS Spring Concerts, at which time scholarships are awarded.

Scholarship award winners are typically recognized on our website and in our Spring Concert program. You will be asked to provide a head shot photo to include in these communications.

2026
Scholarship Winners

Nyles Deloatch, Ronald D. Darone Memorial Scholarship

Nyles Deloatch is a dedicated senior in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy’s Vocal Strand at Salem High School, where he has distinguished himself as both a passionate performer and a committed leader. Throughout his high school career, Nyles has earned recognition at prestigious choral events, including ACDA National Honor Choir, VMEA Senior Honors Choir, VCDA's All-VA Choir, and the inaugural TTBB All-VA Choir as a soloist. Nyles is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and serves as president of the VPAA Vocal Strand where he leads their Tenor/Bass choir Coro Profundo.

Looking ahead, Nyles plans to pursue a degree in music education in college. His goal is to share the transformative power of music with the next generation, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection in his future students.

Avery Filippone, Virginia Choral Society Scholarship

Avery Filippone is a fourth-year senior in the Vocal Music Department at the Governor’s School for the Arts and at Grassfield High School. She is overjoyed to be receiving this honor and so excited to be a part of this concert!

At the Governor’s School, Avery has performed as Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Griselda (Alma Deutscher's Cinderella), and Dewfairy/ensemble (Hansel and Gretel).

Next year, Avery is going to Liberty University to pursue a Vocal Performance degree. Avery is eternally grateful to her parents and teachers at Governor’s School for always pushing her to do her best and for helping her build confidence and grow! She cannot wait for college and is so excited to continue doing what she loves.