2024 Scholarship Recipient - Tyrik Iman-Washington
Tyrik Iman-Washington has been chosen by Warren County Community Singers as a recipient of a 2024 George K. Warne Scholarship. He resides in Port Murray, NJ and is a senior at Warren Hills Regional High School. He is majoring in Musical Theatre at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and is excited to be studying in New York City for two years followed by two years in Los Angeles. Tyrik was first on a stage at the age of four when he was volunteered by his parents to sing for his church
congregation. After the exhilaration of being on stage in church at this early age, he knew that performing was something he wanted to pursue as a goal. He is determined to use his art as a tool to inspire people, give them hope, and, ultimately, make a difference in the world by leaving a positive impact. His ventures reflect this objective.
Tyrik has been involved with many musical activities in school: Honors Advanced Concert Choir, Select Choir, soloist at pep rallies, Cabaret Night 2021-2024, and the school musicals Chicago, playing Billy Flynn (2021), and Anastasia The Musical, playing Gleb Vaganov (2023) for which he won a 2023 Freddy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role. Freddy Awards recognize and reward exceptional accomplishments in high school musical theater in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania and Warren County, NJ. Outside of school Tyrik is in the Youth and the
Adult Choir at his church in Brooklyn.
Tyrik demonstrates a well-rounded interest in the school community and beyond. He has had training outside of school at NYU Future Theatre Artists, NYU Immersive Stage: Tisch School of the Arts, Diversity Youth Theatre, and New Federal Theatre. He has also done professional work in the realm of music and performing including appearances on PBS Theatre Talk, in the short films Under the Heavens, Gentrified Rick, and Start Now, and at the NYC 2023 PACEsetter Awards to name a few.
Tyrik not only participated in musical undertakings but was involved with other school activities such as the National Honor Society (President, two years), Student Council (VP, three years), Best Buddies, Drama Club, Human Rights Club, Horizons Literary Magazine, and Prom Planning, School Lunch, and School Climate and Culture Committees among others.
Tyrik’s audition pieces showed off his wonderful stage presence and story-telling ability. He sang “This Is Not Over Yet” from Parade: Jason Robert Brown, composer and lyricist and “Family” from Dreamgirls: Tom Eyen, lyricist and Henry Krieger, composer. Tyrik is looking forward to his education at Pace University and we wish him all the best as he sets out on his career path to transform lives through his music.
2024 Scholarship Recipient - Bella Smith
Warren County Community Singers is pleased to announce Bella Smith as a recipient of a 2024 George K. Warne Scholarship. She resides in Belvidere, NJ and is a senior at Belvidere High School. She is majoring in Musical Theatre at Lipscomb University located in Nashville, Tennessee. According to Bella music has been the guiding force throughout her growing up starting with her musical parents who imbued a love of music
in her which sustained and uplifted her through difficult times. Music has been her constant companion. From singing in church, talent shows, and musical theater productions, Bella’s passion for understanding music, songwriting, and acting blossomed and grew into a vital part of her life that she now wants to pursue as a career in college.
Bella is a diverse musician who has perfect pitch and is able to play several
instruments: trumpet, piano, guitar, and drums. Her musical activities at school include Choir (including specialty choirs Chamber, Scarlet, Show, and Concert), Marching Band, lead roles in school musicals and plays, and singing The National Anthem at numerous sporting events. Outside of school, Bella played lead and supporting roles in Change the Musical at The Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg, PA, sang numerous times in the
opening act for Unspoken, a Christian band, at The Sherman Theater, sang The National Anthem at East Stroudsburg University hockey games, sang at Spruce Lake Retreat, Canadensis, PA and sang at various tree lighting events. She was honored to receive a Freddy nomination for her portrayal as Hope Cladwell in Urinetown.
Bella is a well-rounded student who has been involved with other school activities. She participated in the Student Government (Vice President), National Honor Society, Travel Club, Yearbook, Drama Club, and Leo Club (high school version of the Lions Club which encourages leadership qualities through social service activities).
Bella’s audition pieces were “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde: Frank Wildhorn, composer and lyricist and “Many a New Day” from Oklahoma: Richard Rodgers, composer, and Oscar Hammerstein ll, lyricist. They were contrasting pieces that highlighted Bella’s lovely voice and her comfortable stage presence. We wish Bella well as she pursues the opportunity to follow her dream of a music career in Nashville also known as Music City. With her determination, passion, and commitment we have no doubt she will be a success.
