Prater Music Scholarship
Winners
Ahmaad Mack: $1,500 winner
Talent: Singing, alto saxophone player
Future goals: To become a professional artist singing, producing and writing music.
Current music involvement: High school drum major, a member of the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Show Choir. A praise team leader at Antioch Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.
Quote: “I just want to touch people’s hearts with words of encouragement through song.”
Three Irwin County High School seniors were awarded the first ever Dave Prater Music Scholarships May 11, 2017, in honor of the late R&B singer and Ocilla native, Dave Prater.
ICHS drum major Ahmaad Mack received a $1,500 award, band member Alex Hutchinson got $1,000 and band member Naomi Serena Border received $500.
“The Prater family is extremely happy that these young people are receiving the first awards in honor of my brother,” said Helen Deberry of Alapaha, Ga., Dave Prater’s youngest sister, who was a member of the scholarship selection committee. “Who knows? One day one of them might win a Grammy Award like he did. But we just want to encourage them to pursue their musical dreams.”
Mack told judges during his interview that he loves performing on stage. “I’ve absolutely loved music since I was 6 years old,” he said, adding: “I just like making people smile.”
Mack says he plans to attend Valdosta State University and hopes to get in to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), a college conservatory for the performing arts in Los Angeles and New York.
He said knowing that Dave Prater hailed from his hometown means a lot to him. “Even though you’re from Ocilla, you can make it – no matter how small the city is.”
Hutchinson’s musical talent extends well beyond the school campus. His references included his pastor at Ocilla United Methodist Church, his elementary school music teacher and a fellow hand bell group and choir member. His achievements include leading a project to build a storage and bus shelter at his church for his Eagle Scout badge and selection to play in several honors bands.
Christine Dent said the fact that Hutchinson plays multiple musical instruments “speaks volumes not only about his love for music but also about commitment to himself to always strive to learn something new and not be afraid of what you do not know.”
Borders, who plays the trombone and has been a member of the marching band for six years, said it was her involvement in music beginning at age 12 that helped her overcome medical and learning challenges from her early childhood. Now, she wants music to help her help others, by combining music therapy and physical therapy. “Music has been a motivating factor in my life,” Borders wrote in her essay, adding, “It has taught me to push myself and to strive for my dreams.”
The scholarship committee was comprised of representatives from the community, schools and business owners. It was headed by Irwin County School Board Chairperson Sylvia Lockett.
ICHS drum major Ahmaad Mack received a $1,500 award, band member Alex Hutchinson got $1,000 and band member Naomi Serena Border received $500.
“The Prater family is extremely happy that these young people are receiving the first awards in honor of my brother,” said Helen Deberry of Alapaha, Ga., Dave Prater’s youngest sister, who was a member of the scholarship selection committee. “Who knows? One day one of them might win a Grammy Award like he did. But we just want to encourage them to pursue their musical dreams.”
Mack told judges during his interview that he loves performing on stage. “I’ve absolutely loved music since I was 6 years old,” he said, adding: “I just like making people smile.”
Mack says he plans to attend Valdosta State University and hopes to get in to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), a college conservatory for the performing arts in Los Angeles and New York.
He said knowing that Dave Prater hailed from his hometown means a lot to him. “Even though you’re from Ocilla, you can make it – no matter how small the city is.”
Hutchinson’s musical talent extends well beyond the school campus. His references included his pastor at Ocilla United Methodist Church, his elementary school music teacher and a fellow hand bell group and choir member. His achievements include leading a project to build a storage and bus shelter at his church for his Eagle Scout badge and selection to play in several honors bands.
Christine Dent said the fact that Hutchinson plays multiple musical instruments “speaks volumes not only about his love for music but also about commitment to himself to always strive to learn something new and not be afraid of what you do not know.”
Borders, who plays the trombone and has been a member of the marching band for six years, said it was her involvement in music beginning at age 12 that helped her overcome medical and learning challenges from her early childhood. Now, she wants music to help her help others, by combining music therapy and physical therapy. “Music has been a motivating factor in my life,” Borders wrote in her essay, adding, “It has taught me to push myself and to strive for my dreams.”
The scholarship committee was comprised of representatives from the community, schools and business owners. It was headed by Irwin County School Board Chairperson Sylvia Lockett.
Alex Hutchinson: $1,000 winner
Talent: Plays clarinet, bugle, trumpet and piano.
Future goals: Hopes to play professionally one day, but until then will continue to perform for the public and his church.
Music and community involvement: Achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 832 in Ocilla, performs in the choir and plays music at his church, Ocilla United Methodist Church, plays taps for veteran and civic organizations.
Quote: “Knowing Dave Prater was born in Ocilla inspires me and it lets me know that I can accomplish anything on which I set my mind.”
Naomi Serena Borders: $500 winner
Talent: Trombone player
Future goals: She wants to inspire others by using music as a part of therapy to help others. Plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, then transfer to Valdosta State University to participate in the music program there.
Music and other involvement: A member of the Marching Band and Concert Band for six years. Also, a competitive swimmer with the Fitzgerald Fins Swim Team for 10 years.
Quote: “Music taught me so many things but the most important is to keep moving forward and to persevere even when I found things to be difficult or sometimes impossible.”
