The Gift of Song
Raymond Cruz
Memorial Scholarship
Raymond M. Cruz
Raymond Marcial Cruz valiantly fought a three-year battle with Ewing-like Sarcoma. He was a talented singer-songwriter, who throughout his battle shared his message of hope, love, positivity and generosity through his music. Ray lived fully through every moment of his life. He was wise beyond his years and was not shy about sharing his wisdom if he felt you needed to hear it. He was an amazingly keen young man who understood the human spirit like few others. He was not afraid to step in and be the spark for others when their own light dimmed and needed rekindling. He was a constant bright light to those who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him. His legacy of joy, kindness, grace, and generosity will live on in those who knew him and through the good works that will continue in his name.
For more information on Raymond's foundation, please visit www.RayofLightTN.com
In partnership with Gift of Song, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Raymond Cruz Memorial scholarship is dedicated to assisting BIPOC acting and musical theatre students prepare and pay for the many costs associated with auditioning for college programs.
With the goal of providing access to Nashville area rising seniors from marginalized and underrepresented groups, this scholarship fund will provide recipients with:
*Funding for College Application fees
*Funding for travel related to college visits and live auditions
*Funding for college prep workshops, lessons and classes
*Funding for audition necessities, such as headshots, audition apparel, dance shoes and apparel, and/or technology required for prescreens and virtual auditions
*Coaching Services:
-Voice; technique and audition repertoire
-Acting; monologue selection and technique
-Dance; choreography
*College program research; costs, application requirements, schedules and deadlines.
*Financial aid application assistance, and help negotiating financial aid with individual colleges.
*Assistance with coordination of college applications and requirements.
Eligibility Requirements:
-Current BIPOC high school student planning to pursue MT or Acting degrees in a post-secondary education setting.
-Able to demonstrate financial need.
-GPA of 2.5 or greater
-Resides within the Nashville, TN Metropolitan Area.
Application Requirements:
-Applications for the 2021-2022 scholarship will open in Spring 2021.
-Applicants will complete a brief info form, provide documentation of financial need and submit performance samples or other representation of their work. Select candidates will also take part in an informal interview.
-The number of available scholarships awarded will be subject to fundraising targets, but our goal is to provide 1 to 5 scholarships per year.
For more information, please email us at thegiftofsongus@gmail.com