HAROLD J. JOHNSTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The scholarship fund was named to honor our symphony conductor of over thirty years, Harold J. Johnston. Contributions will help to support annual scholarships for deserving graduating seniors in Sedalia and surrounding areas.
HAROLD J. JOHNSTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
WYATT FLANDERMEYER
The Sedalia Symphony Society has awarded one of two $1000 Harold J. Johnston Memorial Scholarships for 2022 to Wyatt Flandermeyer, who will graduate from Smith-Cotton High School in May with a 4.113 GPA. He plans to continue his education at the University of Central Missouri majoring in Instrumental Music Education. Wyatt plays trombone, is a member of the S-C marching band, concert band, pep band, and jazz band. He has been selected to both the District Band and the District Jazz Band on multiple occasions and has twice been selected to the top group in the State of Missouri, the All-State Band. In addition to his music, Wyatt is a member of Team Scream, S-C’s Robotics Team. He is described by his high school counselor as "not only a gifted musician, but a person with the highest morals, along with being a truly positive role model for all students". Not only is he involved with school activities, he holds down a part time job and gives back to the Sedalia community through church activities and the Sedalia Park Band. He states "I have decided I want to be a teacher because I want to help people follow their dreams as my band directors and teachers have done for me". Wyatt’s parents are Chris and Mary Flandermeyer.
DANIEL VOSMITH
The Sedalia Symphony Society has awarded the second of two $1000 Harold J. Johnston Memorial Scholarships to Daniel Vosmith, who will graduate from Cole Camp High School in May with a GPA of 4.1. Daniel plans to attend the University of Missouri for a double major in Music and Electrical Engineering. He is active in Math Club, Academic Bowl, Band-Drum Major, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, President of FBLA, and is active on the varsity soccer team. Daniel’s high school counselor describes him as a leader who models exceptional citizenship. She stated further that he is polite and patient while displaying a persistent and dedicated work ethic. He is an All-District oboe player and is currently playing with the Sedalia Symphony. He is Principal Oboe for All-District Honor Band and Orchestra, was selected for UMKC Midwest Honor Band Festival, received a Gold Rating at State Solo/Ensemble for Oboe in 2019 and 2021, received the West Central Missouri Music Educators Association Honor Band Scholarship, and received Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention. His band teacher, Mrs. Kylah Sisk, commented that in the time she has known him, "he has absolutely blown her away with his talent and dedication to our program. He is my most active and advanced member in the high school band and is always looking for opportunities to further his knowledge of music. I am very blessed and proud to have known Daniel as both an outstanding musician and student". He is the son of Dr. Drew Smith and Thao Vo-Smith.
ALISA SONNIK
The Edith Donath Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Alisa Sonnik, who will graduate from Smith-Cotton High School in May with a 4.40 GPA plus earning numerous college credit hours. Alisa will continue her education at the University of Central Missouri pursuing a major in Finance and a minor in Management. The director of orchestra for District 200 said he first met her when she joined the orchestra as a 6 th grade cellist. Alisa has continued to excel as a cellist earning numerous district and state honors. In addition to the high school orchestra, she is a cellist for the Sedalia Symphony and an active member in the music media and youth ministries at her church. She is a member of the S-C High School Math Team Executive Board, National Honor Society, and is the Founder and Director of the NHS Tutoring Committee. She is a member of the Robotics Leadership Team for S-C’s Team Scream. She has been recognized as a 2022 National Merit Finalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar, and has received honorable mention for the Missouri Scholars 100. She has earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy for English and Russian. Alisa states she plans to continue her musical development by playing with the University Orchestra and through private instruction. Alisa is the daughter of Dmitriy and Elaina Sonnik.