Dalton High School senior Diego Santana has been named the recipient of the 2024 Karen Lightbody Kirkman Piano Scholarship. Diego, who has studied piano under Alan Cearley at the Creative Arts Guild for the past two years, has showcased his talents at numerous Guild events. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Diego is currently completing his classroom studies through Dalton State College’s Dual Enrollment Program.
The Karen Lightbody Kirkman Piano Scholarship was established to support and inspire promising music students within Dalton Public Schools, encouraging them to pursue advanced studies in music and use their talents to enrich the community.
Karen Lightbody Kirkman, a gifted pianist and 1962 graduate of Dalton High School, dedicated her musical abilities to the Dalton community through countless school, church, and civic performances. Her vision for the scholarship was to help future generations “take her place” in giving back through music. To honor this legacy, the scholarship alternates annually between piano and other instruments. This year’s $500 scholarship, focused on piano, will directly fund Diego’s continued music lessons.
The scholarship selection process is rigorous, encompassing three stages:
Application – Applicants provide biographical details, a musical résumé, a repertoire list, and two letters of recommendation, including one from a Fine Arts professional. Candidates must also submit an audition tape with two musical selections, one of which must be classical.
Screening – A committee evaluates applications and selects up to five finalists.
Selection – Finalists perform live for a panel of judges and participate in a brief interview during their audition.
Diego joins a distinguished group of past winners, including Melissa You, Jennifer Cassidy, Song and Jay Choi, Daniel Lu, and others who have continued to share their musical talents with the community.
The application process for the Karen Lightbody Kirkman Scholarship opens each fall. Information is available at the Creative Arts Guild and all secondary schools in Dalton Public Schools. Music teachers interested in receiving details about the application process can contact the Dalton Education Foundation at def@dalton.k12.ga.us.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Diego Santana on this outstanding achievement and celebrates his dedication to music and community.