2026 Scholarship
Winners
The Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota held their annual Scholarship Auditions on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Leawood United Methodist Church. Ten scholarships totaling $18,750 were awarded. Nine of the scholarship were funded by the Kansas City Music Foundation, and one, specifically for an organ student, was funded by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Twenty-nine applicants performed for judges Ann Marie Rigler, Christy Elster, and Carrie Shuck. The students came from seven different area universities that included University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, University of Central Missouri, Park University, Northwest Missouri State University, William Jewell College, and Benedictine College.
The scholarship audition committee included Lisa Davis, chair, Nanie Downs, and Taylor Fegan.
The winners will perform on the 2026 Scholarship Winners Concert at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026 in the sanctuary at Leawood United Methodist Church, 2915 W. 95th St., Leawood, Kansas.
2026 Judges:
Christy Elster, Carrie Shuck,
and Ann Marie Rigler
Lisa Davis,
Scholarship Committee Chair, 2026
Taylor Fegan, Jane Christison,
Lisa Davis, and Nanie Downs
| Year | First Name | Last Name | Instrument | Scholarship Received | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Aviv | Daniel | Violin | Carolyn McDill Memorial Scholarship | Park University |
| 2026 | Payton | Boldt | Voice | Leona Schaefer Memorial Scholarship | UMKC Conservatory |
| 2026 | David | Brill | Violin | Dixie Lou O’Connor Morris Memorial Scholarship | Park University |
| 2026 | Jair | Zacarias | Piano | Thomas F. Morris Scholarship | University of Kansas |
| 2026 | Andrew | Lerner | Organ | GKCAGO June Marie Walker Memorial Scholarship | Benedictine College |
| 2026 | Mardon | Abdurakhmonov | Cello | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | Park University |
| 2026 | Yianqi | Pu | Piano | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | University of Kansas |
| 2026 | Naomi | Speck | Piano | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | William Jewell College |
| 2026 | Ting-An | Chiu | Piano | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | University of Kansas |
| 2026 | Anan | Wang | Piano | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | UMKC Conservatory |
“The Kansas City SAI Alumnae chapter has put together an amazing experience and opportunity to share in the mission of Sigma Alpha Iota: encouraging the highest standard of music for all. It is so wonderful to see young artists care so much for their craft and strive for the stars. This is an amazing opportunity for young musicians to showcase their musical talent, further their musical careers and gain the support of fellow music lovers on their journey. Congratulations to all!” Mikayla Dupont, M.M.
“We had an amazing turn out! I‘m so impressed by anyone that takes the time to not only learn how to play an instrument, but master it. We had a wide variety of instrumentalists and vocalists who all were deserving.” Lisa Davis
“It was a great experience to perform in such a beautiful and inspiring space. The entire audition process was very well-organized and created a calm and welcoming environment that allowed me to focus on sharing my music.” Max Linares
“This audition offers a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to form connections with their colleagues in the Kansas City area and gain experience performing solo repertoire. It was a welcoming space where everyone was supportive and kind to all students.” Caden Helmer
“It is always an exciting and rewarding day to hear such young talent. Auditioning is never easy but this group of young adults certainly put everything into their auditioning for a well deserved scholarship.” Marsha Oyer