The Board of Trustees of Essex Winter Series is pleased to announce that the organization has chosen its 2022 Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarship recipient, Jolie Edwards of Chester. The Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Valley Regional High School (VRHS) graduating senior who will be furthering their musical studies in college, generously provides $1,000 for each year of study, for a total of $4,000. The Scholarship was established in 1995 after the passing of Essex Winter Series board president Francis Bealey to honor his commitment to music and arts education.

Jolie, the daughter of San and Clifford Edwards, plans to attend UCONN to study music education. She hopes that her career path will help her to fulfill her “greatest dream of spreading the joy of music to others.” Jolie credits her “wonderfully dedicated teachers” for helping her be an active participant in music at VRHS. In addition to her music studies, she played flute in the band and for the pit orchestra, sang with a variety of choral ensembles, was a member of the United Girls Choir, and further developed her skills with private voice lessons.

(pictured, L to R: Susan Guernsey, President, Essex Winter Series Board of Trustees and VRHS senior and 2022 Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarship recipient Jolie Edwards)