The Southern Utah Heritage Choir is pleased to announce the selection of four local scholarship recipients, who will be featured performers at the choir’s Easter concert. This cherished tradition, showcasing some of the choir’s most sacred and inspiring music is entitled Life Everlasting in celebration of Jesus Christ’s victory over death and sin.
Every year the “choral jewel of Southern Utah” awards scholarships to exceptional high school seniors who have shown talent, dedication and passion in the vocal arts. The audition process includes letters of recommendation, a transcript of grades and an in-person vocal performance.
“Through the choir’s scholarship program, we hope to inspire young singers to cultivate their gifts through excellent, inspiring and varied musical selections,” notes President Geri Rhodes.
Melanie Peterson, a $1000 scholarship recipient from the Heritage Choir, is a student at Utah Arts Academy. Originally from Northern Utah, she moved to St. George with her family to be part of the vibrant arts community of Southern Utah inspired by the area’s rich cultural landscape. Melanie’s passion for the arts was sparked by her Mexican heritage, where music, traditions, and storytelling nurtured her connection to creativity. At Utah Arts Academy, she excels in an environment which encourages both personal and artistic growth. Melanie, at age 18, has already earned multiple accolades, including being named YoungArts Winner 2025, first place winner in the Musical Theatre Competitions of America, and taking first in the Utah Arts Academy Shakespeare Competition. She was also honored as Miss Ivins 2024, when she used her platform to celebrate the arts and community. With a 3.9 GPA and a commitment to excellence, Melanie is eager to continue refining her craft and using her talents to inspire change.
Lydia Ricks, another $1000 scholarship winner, is a passionate performer with extensive experience on stage. She has performed for four seasons at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, starring in Annie (title role) and Matilda (title role). A senior at Crimson Cliffs High School where she holds a 3.9 GPA, Lydia also shares her love of music mentoring young performers as a vocal teacher. This summer, she has been called to serve in the Nauvoo Performing Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she will share her musical talent while uplifting others.
Sarah Osness, who has been singing since she was a toddler, is soon to graduate from Dixie High School. She loves musical theater and has been in 20 productions. Some of her favorite roles include Donna (Mamma Mia!), Serena (Legally Blonde), and Belle (Beauty and the Beast Jr). In January 2025, Sarah was named an All-State Singer by Classical Singer Music, as one of only two contestants recognized in Utah. In 2024, she placed second in the high school musical theater division of a national singing competition in Washington DC. She was named a state finalist in the Utah High School Musical Theater Awards for Best Actress (Wednesday Addams, 2023) and Best Supporting Actress (Lina Lamont, 2024). Sarah will continue her dream of becoming a professional actress by pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater. She is a $500 scholarship recipient from the Southern Utah Heritage Choir.
Lily Butler, a senior at Desert Hills High School, is a soprano vocalist and a winner of a $500 scholarship from the choir. She was recently seen as the understudy in the lead role of Mabel in the St George Musical Theater (SGMT) production of the opera Pirates of Penzance. She received a perfect score twice in both regional and state solo and ensemble. She was a soloist for Utah All State Choir and St. George Regional Honor Choir. Lily has participated in many vocal performance and musical theater workshops in New York City and competed at Musical Theater Competition of America (MTCA) in Los Angeles, where her team won first place. She’s received professional vocal training for 6 years and currently studies with Emily Workman, an accomplished opera singer and vocal coach who has a master’s degree from Yale’s prestigious opera program. Lily also studied and performed with Tuacahn’s Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) for two years.
This 3rd concert of the choir’s 2024-25 season will be held at the St. George LDS Tabernacle on Friday, April 18 at 6 p.m. (please note this time change) with a repeat performance on Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. Admission is free and seating is open to any and all music lovers throughout the community.
For more information about the choir’s scholarship program, opportunities to join the 180-voice Southern Utah Heritage Choir, or upcoming programs, visit its website.
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